23 March: Policy Evaluation Methods: An Introduction to Theory of Change
Published: 11 March 2026
Join the Centre for Public Policy’s ECR Network on Monday 23 March, for a practical, online workshop led by Dr Claire Macrae and Dr Saurabh Lall, exploring the foundations of policy evaluation through the lens of Theory of Change.
Join the Centre for Public Policy’s ECR Network on Monday 23 March, for a practical, online workshop led by Dr Claire Macrae and Dr Saurabh Lall, exploring the foundations of policy evaluation through the lens of Theory of Change.
Key information
Monday 23 March
2pm - 4pm
Online event
About this event
How do we know whether a policy is working - and how can we design evaluations that meaningfully assess impact?
The Centre for Public Policy’s ECR Network is pleased to host a practical, online workshop led by Dr Claire MacRae and Dr Saurabh Lall, exploring the foundations of policy evaluation through the lens of Theory of Change. This session is designed to introduce early career researchers to core concepts and tools that can strengthen both academic research and engagement with policy and practice partners.
Theory of Change provides a structured way to articulate how and why a policy or intervention is expected to lead to particular outcomes. It encourages clarity about assumptions, causal pathways, and intended impacts — and creates a framework against which evaluation can be conducted. In practice, it can also help organisations refine their strategic thinking and improve programme design.
This workshop will:
- Introduce the principles and purposes of Theory of Change
- Explore how to assess an existing theory of change critically
- Provide guidance on designing or refining a theory of change with organisations
- Discuss how Theory of Change underpins robust policy evaluation
The session will combine conceptual grounding with practical examples and interactive discussion. It will be particularly valuable for early career researchers interested in evaluation, impact, and working collaboratively with policy or third-sector partners.
Whether you are planning an evaluation project, developing funding applications, or seeking to strengthen your methodological toolkit, this workshop will provide a clear introduction to Theory of Change and its relevance to real-world policy contexts.
Centre for Public Policy Early Career Researchers' Network
The Centre for Public Policy Early Career Researchers’ Network is a space for early career researchers (ECRs) at the University of Glasgow with an interest in policy to come together, develop skills and knowledge for policy engagement, and collaborate on interdisciplinary research.
The network is co-developed by its members and will include workshops with policy experts, networking events, and bespoke resources and opportunities.
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First published: 11 March 2026
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