The UK Evaluation Society (UKES) is launching a Midlands Regional Network with City-REDI as a founding institutional member as part of its commitment to building analytical capability in the region. The Society exists to promote and improve the theory, practice, understanding and utilisation of evaluation and its contribution to public knowledge and to promote cross-sector and cross-disciplinary dialogue and debate.
The network’s vision is to support the economic and social development of the region through working in collaboration with other analytical communities and public, private and third sectors in the generation of evidence by evaluation and its use. It aims to link and support dedicated and passionate people in the region working in evaluation or with evaluation evidence to develop relevant policies and programmes by providing:
- A forum to debate and discuss evaluation theory and practice and disseminate evaluation findings;
- Specialist training and professional development opportunities for evaluation practitioners;
- Activities that raise the awareness and understanding of evaluation throughout the region;
- Opportunities for evaluators to network and share ideas and experiences.
Planning for a launch event in December or early New Year has started. To register an interest and say what you like the network to achieve, and how you like to be involved, please complete our joining survey or email the Network Convenor, Karl King. The network has a steering group that includes Rebecca Riley (City REDI, University of Birmingham), Michelle Hollier (Winning Moves), Tracey Wond (University of Derby) and George Bramley (Institute of Applied Health Research, University of Birmingham). By completing the joining survey, and attending the launch event if are able, you will help shape next year’s programme of events.
The networks’ events will be open to all members and non-members of UKES interested in evaluation both within and outside the region. While the network is affiliated with the UK Evaluation Society there is no requirement to be a member of the Society. However, being a member of the Society will secure you significant discounts on training that the network plans to run in the region.
George Bramley and Rebecca Riley
On behalf of UK Evaluation Society Midlands Evaluation Network