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In many projects, evaluation comes in only at the end. It’s something external, often time-limited, and sometimes a bit disconnected from the day-to-day reality of a team’s work. Reports get written, recommendations are made, and then it’s not always clear what happens next. Over time, I’ve found myself trying to move away from that model. What I am more interested in is how people and organisations build their own confidence with evaluation. Not just understanding frameworks

Mixed-methods research is increasingly popular across health, social research, and policy, but what does it actually mean, and when is it the right approach? In simple terms, a mixed-methods approach combines quantitative data (numbers, surveys, statistics) with qualitative insights (interviews, focus groups, lived experiences). Rather than choosing one or the other, researchers integrate both to develop a richer, more complete understanding of a problem. Why use mixed meth

When I speak to third sector organisations about impact measurement, the same barriers surface again and again. There is not enough time. Staff are part-time. Volunteers are stretched. Delivery and income generation quite rightly take priority. Capturing meaningful change, especially things like connection, confidence or belonging feels difficult, asking participants to complete forms can feel awkward or burdensome. These challenges are real. Third sector organisations operat

Online Lunchtime Learning Session – MS Teams Date: 25th February 2026 – 12noon - 1pm Are you looking to strengthen how your organisation captures and communicates its impact? Join us for a practical and confidence building session designed specifically for third sector organisations of all sizes. This session will be delivered by Ilaria Pina, PHD, Empirica Research & Consulting Ltd. This workshop will help you understand what meaningful impact looks like, beyond the numbers,