Enhancing and applying theory of change

Session 1 (online): 22 April, 10:00-13:00

Session 2 (in person): 30 April, 09:30-12:30

Two half-day sessions, with one week of self-paced work in between

Online and in person at National Council for Voluntary Organisations, Society Building, 8 All Saints Street, London N1 9RL

Join us for a two-part training event on 22 April and 30 April for a practical session on enhancing and applying theory of change. You will learn how a Core Theory of Change can be developed into an Enhanced Theory of Change, and how to use the Enhanced Theory of Change to create an evaluation plan for your intervention.

This two-part training combines:

• an online introductory session

• a week of self-paced work

• an in-person review and development session, giving you the time, tools and support needed to develop an Enhanced Theory of Change and simple evaluation plan for your own work. The training includes practical tools and structured opportunities for peer learning and feedback, alongside support from the TASO team.

The training is designed for those in any role with evaluation responsibilities, and is aimed at beginner level. Attendees should already be familiar with theory of change as a concept and know how to create a Core Theory of Change.

You should come with a completed Core Theory of Change before taking part, ideally using the TASO template (static or in the ToC Builder).

Linked session

We are also hosting a session: ‘Introduction to theory of change’ on 11 March and 19 March.

While each session can be standalone, they work best together, offering a fuller understanding of how to design a Core Theory of Change, develop it into an Enhanced Theory of Change, and apply it in evaluation planning.

Who should attend?

This training is designed for you if you are:

• in any role with evaluation or impact responsibilities

• familiar with theory of change and know how to create a Core Theory of Change

• ready to develop your theory of change to inform evaluation planning

• working in higher education or the third sector (examples used in training will be tailored to higher education).

Why attend?

By the end of the training, you will:

• understand the differences between Core Theory of Change and Enhanced Theory of Change

• explore the principles of a good Enhanced Theory of Change diagram

• learn how to develop a Core Theory of Change into an Enhanced Theory of Change

• gain hands-on experience using TASO’s tools, such as our Theory of Change Builder

• find out how an Enhanced Theory of Change can be applied practically and used to inform an evaluation plan

• develop an Enhanced Theory of Change with support from peers and TASO staff

• develop a basic evaluation plan for your intervention with support from TASO staff.

You will have the opportunity to network with colleagues and peers in the sector and learn about their work. By the end of the training, you will be better equipped to make evidence-informed decisions, think more clearly about how your activities lead to change, and understand how to measure change through evaluation.