Services for Commissioners

I offer a range of services for evaluation commissioners, but in practice most assignments draw on several. I combine and tailor my expertise — from Theory of Change and Evaluation commissioning and management — to the needs of the project, team and ultimate client.

Theory of Change and evaluation planning

I work with organisations to develop shared theories of change and practical evaluation plans that support learning, accountability and decision-making from the outset.

I can support:

theory of Change workshops
evaluation planning
programme logic development
theory-based approaches
evaluation scoping

Selected experience

Developed Theory of Change tools and guidance for central government (DECC and Defra) before applying them across major national programmes in environment, energy, and regional growth.

You might find this useful if...

You're developing a new programme and want to use Theory of change to stress test your programme logic and evidence.
You want evaluation to be built in from the outset.
Stakeholders have different views about what success looks like.
You need a Theory of Change that genuinely informs evaluation planning
You want to commission evaluation with greater confidence.

Evaluation capability building

I help organisations strengthen their evaluation capability through training, mentoring and practical learning embedded within real projects.

I can support:

tailored training programmes
mentoring
evaluation masterclasses
communities of practice
learning alongside delivery

Selected experience

Designed and delivered evaluation training across government, including introductory and advanced programmes on impact evaluation, realist evaluation and complexity.

You might find this useful if...

Your organisation wants to become a more confident commissioner of evaluation.
Staff have varying levels of evaluation experience.
You'd like learning to be embedded within live projects.
You want to leave lasting capability rather than relying on external consultants.

Evaluation commissioning and management

I support organisations to commission and manage high-quality evaluation, from early scoping through procurement, supplier management and quality assurance.

I can support:

scoping evaluation requirements
developing specifications and ITTs
managing suppliers
quality assuring delivery
acting as interim evaluation manager

Selected experience

Eight years commissioning research and evaluation in central government, followed by interim commissioning and evaluation management roles with the Youth Endowment Fund.

You might find this useful if...

You need interim support while recruiting or restructuring.
You're commissioning a major evaluation for the first time.
You want additional capacity during a busy commissioning period.
You need someone who can bridge policy, commissioning and evaluation.

Evaluation systems and guidance

I help organisations develop practical systems, guidance and tools that improve the way evaluation is planned, commissioned and used.

I can support:

evaluation guidance
commissioning processes
organisational toolkits
monitoring systems
evaluation governance

Selected experience

Developed evaluation guidance, commissioning tools and system-wide approaches for central government and more recently contributed to guidance for environmental policy evaluation.

You might find this useful if...

You're developing an organisation-wide approach to evaluation.
Existing guidance is inconsistent or out of date.
Different teams are commissioning evaluations in different ways.
You'd like practical tools that make good evaluation easier.

Evaluation advice and quality assurance

I provide constructive reviews of evaluation proposals, protocols and reports, offering practical recommendations that strengthen quality while remaining proportionate to organisational needs. I work with internal teams building capabilities as i deliver.

I can support:

proposal review
protocol review
report review
methodological advice
external critical friend support

Selected experience

Reviewed and quality assured research and evaluation across central government and more recently through commissioning and management roles with the Youth Endowment Fund.

You might find this useful if...

You'd like independent assurance before approving a supplier's work.
You need help interpreting complex methodological issues.
You're not convinced a proposed evaluation will answer your key questions.
You want practical recommendations rather than academic critique.