Building & Using a Theory of Change
Date:
08/12/2025 - 09/12/2025
Organised by:
Social Research Association
Presenter:
Professor David Parsons
Level:
Intermediate (some prior knowledge)
Contact:
Patricia Cornell
admin@the-sra.org.uk
Venue: Online
Description:
n.b. This course runs over two consecutive mornings:
Part 1 - 8 December - 9.30 am to 1.00 pm
Part 2 - 9 December - 9.30 am to 1.00 pm
Putting together a Theory of Change (ToC) which is specific to a policy, initiative or programme is increasingly seen as a foundation for effective problem-centred programme development and innovation by central and local government, NGOs, voluntary and community sector bodies and others. This course aims to demystify the confusion about what constitutes an effective ToC and to raise the understanding and ambition of researchers and evaluators about how to best go about developing and harnessing these. A ‘good’ ToC is a valuable framework for shaping ‘novel’ programmes and for putting in place focussed, cost-effective and proportionate methodologies to monitor progression, assess their effects and effectiveness and inform lessons for improved practice. This intensive course provides a broad understanding of how ‘theory building’ contributes to policy and programme development, and how to go about developing a cause-effect chain to underpin a fit for purpose ToC. It will provide participants with the confidence and practical skills to work with colleagues, partners and stakeholders to help put together practical ToCs for policy and programme development, monitoring, research and evaluation.
Cost:
£180.00 for SRA members, £235.000 for non-members.
Website and registration:
Region:
International
Keywords:
Research Management and Impact, Research Skills, Communication and Dissemination
Related publications and presentations from our eprints archive:
Research Management and Impact
Research Skills, Communication and Dissemination