Evaluating what matters

group of people sitting and looking at documents thinking and talking

Learning and evaluating what matters in a campaign is a vital part of the campaign planning cycle and something we all need to practise as part of our campaign planning. 

In this campaign planning workshop, you will explore the context for learning and evaluation in campaigns and social change, including what learning and evaluation means and what the inherent challenges are.  You will learn about some useful practical campaigning tools and frameworks, including the value of a simple theory of change to remind you what your campaign is trying to achieve, and give team members a common sense of purpose. 

These campaigning tools and frameworks will help you embed a learning approach into your campaigns which can help show others what you are setting out to do and clarify any campaigning data that needs to be collected. You will also:

  • Explore the context for learning and evaluation 
  • See how a simple theory of change can underpin your learning approach 
  • Learn about a series of practical campaigning tools and frameworks 
  • Embed learning through a practical case study 

This workshop will be led by SMK Associate and former Deputy Head of Measurement and Evaluation at New Philanthropy Capital (NPC) James Noble.

Our Open Workshops run on a progressive pricing model:

Small orgs: turnover of £10k – £100k = pay £88 plus VAT
Med orgs: turnover of £100k – £1M = pay £132 plus VAT
Large orgs: turnover of £1M to £10M = pay £192.50 plus VAT

If you would like to speak to someone further, please email megan.poyiadzis@smk.org.uk

Workshop Dates

Wed 4th Feb 2026 10am-1pm
Tues 28th Apr 2026, 2-5pm
Tues 6th Oct 2026, 10am-1pm
Wed 3rd Feb 2027, 10am-1pm

Katie Roberts

James Noble

SMK Associate 

James is an experienced evaluation specialist and social researcher who has worked in the charity sector for over decade.

Read more about James here

What participants say:

Jennifer Laws

Dan White

Policy and campaigns officer at Disability Rights UK

”Very, very useful!”

Participant, 2023

“I thought it was all really interesting and I could have done a whole day on it. A couple of the tables were really insightful and I will definitely be sharing those in my organisation.”

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