Join our fifth session in the ‘How to evaluate’ training series, where you'll delve into how to meet the Office for Students (OfS) Type 3 (causal) standard of evidence using randomised controlled trials (RCTs). 

An RCT is a type of evaluation design that estimates the causal impact of an intervention on a sample by randomly allocating participants to either receive a form of intervention (intervention group) or (usually) to not receive an intervention (control group).

This session is designed to guide you through the high-level planning and execution of an RCT, making it applicable to both pre-entry and post-entry access and participation (APP) work.

During this session, you will:

• Learn how to identify when it is appropriate to use an RCT for evaluating your interventions.

• Explore different randomisation strategies and understand their importance in RCTs.

• Understand sample size considerations essential for the validity of an RCT.

• Discover how to use an RCT to evaluate new interventions or strategies effectively.

• Gain insights into interpreting and learning from RCT findings, as well as how to communicate these findings to stakeholders.

• Review case studies that highlight common challenges and issues you may face when running an RCT.

By the end of the session, you will have a high-level understanding of when it is appropriate to use an RCT, how to plan an RCT for your intervention, and an awareness of potential challenges.

Who should attend?

• Those new to evaluation.

• Experienced evaluators seeking to refresh their understanding of causal impact methods using RCTs.

• Managers and practitioners who commission and manage evaluations.

• Those who work closely with evaluators.

Note: This session will not cover statistical techniques, therefore, no statistical or technical expertise required to attend.

Why attend?

• Professional development: Gain a deep understanding of the appropriate use of RCTs, including how to interpret and learn from their outputs.

• Benefit for your institution: Return to your institution with knowledge of which interventions within your APPs are suitable for an RCT and how to manage these evaluations effectively.

• Networking opportunities: Connect with professionals across the higher education sector, fostering collaboration and sharing best practices for effective evaluation.

Cost

Early bird

• Non-profit organisations (higher education providers, charities, public sector)
  • £299 + VAT
• For-profit organisations
  • £599 + VAT 

Standard rate

• Non-profit organisations (higher education providers, charities, public sector
  • £349 + VAT
• For-profit organisations:
  • £699 + VAT

Next steps

An impact evaluation should go hand-in-hand with an implementation and process evaluation, so you may also find it useful to attend our second session on ‘Assessing process: Running a successful implementation and process evaluation (IPE).’

In registering for this event, you agree to the following terms: cancellations must be received in writing (to info@taso.org.uk) by Friday 1st November to qualify for a refund. We regret that no refund can be made for cancellations received after this time; however substitute delegates will be accepted at any time. If sending a substitute delegate please provide the registered delegate’s full name and the substitute delegate’s full name, job title, organisation, and email address to info@taso.org.uk.