NCB: Training on DIY service evaluations

Sometimes an independent evaluation is required, but more often than not, practitioners need advice and support to conduct a DIY evaluation. As well as providing consultancy, NCB also delivers training courses.

Last autumn, the department delivered training for a multinational energy company to support the evaluation of its corporate responsibility programme, which is funding projects for children and young people across Europe. This was eye-opening for all concerned. NCB gained valuable insight into the business mindset, whereas participants were encouraged, often for the first time, to focus on children and young people.

This month sees the launch of the fifth series of Nifty Evaluation, delivered in partnership with Research in Practice in response to demand from children's trusts. Nifty stands for Neat, Informative, Feasible, Timely, Yours - key principles in designing a useful practitioner-led evaluation. Pairs of practitioners from seven children's trusts will come together for five meetings over the next year, during which they will receive a mix of formal training, resources, network opportunities and peer support. By the end of the year, participants will have designed, planned and carried out their own evaluations.