Transform your use of evidence for policy and practice

11th February 2020

There is increasing pressure on all of us to make better use of evidence in decision-making whether we work in research, government or NGOs. Colleagues in the IDS Knowledge Impact and Policy Team have been working for some years to help programme managers, policy advisors, evaluators, researchers and communications staff, gain the skills and competencies required to operate effectively at the interface between policy and research.

And they have now pulled this knowledge together into a new IDS Short course on Shaping Policy with Evidence. 

“The course strengthened my understanding of the link between evidence and the politics of influencing social change in a complex world. I particularly enjoyed the networking and interaction with people from different disciplines across the globe.” – Aileen Patricia ODonovan, Deputy Head of Development, Irish Aid Ethiopia

Now in it's 2nd year the course attracts a diverse range of evidence producers and users, advisors and advocates providing a unique opportunity to share learning and reflect on what we mean by evidence, whose knowledge really counts and what enables organisations to engage effectively to shape policy with evidence. The course teaches conceptually rigorous tools for analysing policy context, identifying and assessing policy relevant research and framing it for policy. It combines seminars from leading international experts with peer learning, group work and allows plenty of time for critical reflection. 

“Being able to spend three days at IDS with a really fascinating group of other students (consultants, government officials, and fellow NGO staff) allowed me to learn and consider how evidence can better inform my work, thereby making me a stronger and more effective advocate in global policy spaces.” – Kathryn Tobin, Advocacy Coordinator, WaterAid

Apply now

For more information on how to apply, visit the short course page on the IDS website. 

For organisations with many interested employees, IDS also offers tailored training and strategy support for evidence informed policy. You can download more information about tailored courses here (PDF). 

Photo: University of Sussex, Library Square. Credit: University of Sussex