How to Evaluate a Campaign: a workshop to discuss tools and frameworks for evaluation

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.

Please note that this workshop has participatory elements. If you are unable to participate for any reason or in a specific manner (e.g. speaking, camera on, chat function, breakout rooms, etc.), please put that in the “Accessibility Requirements” section during checkout, and remind your facilitator at the beginning of the session.

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

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

How much are the workshops?

SMK’s Open Workshops run on a progressive pricing model:

  • Small orgs (£10k – £100k) – £96 + VAT 
  • Medium orgs (£100k – £1m) – £160 + VAT 
  • Large orgs (Tier 1: £1m – £10m) – £240 + VAT 
  • Large orgs (Tier 2: £10m+) – £280 + VAT

Independent campaigners will pay the ‘small orgs’ fee.

How can I pay for a workshop?

You have the option to pay by card or invoice – just choose your preferred method during the checkout.

Are the workshops online or in-person?

They’re delivered online via Zoom.

How long are the workshops?

The workshops are three hours long. The online get-togethers are an hour and a half.

What if I can’t participate during the workshop?

This workshop includes participatory elements. If you have any access requirements or prefer not to participate in certain ways (e.g. speaking, camera use, chat or breakout rooms), please note this at checkout and let your facilitator know at the start of the session.

Can I attend any of these workshops as a package, instead?

Yes. You can find out more information about our Campaign Carousel programme here.

Who can I contact with questions about this workshop?

For any questions about our Open Training, please email SMK’s Programmes Manager Megan Poyiadzis 

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

Alex Jones

James Noble

SMK Associate 

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

He focuses on helping charities and funders decide on what they want to achieve and how they are going to measure it. His clients have included RNID, RNLI, Which?, Disability Rights UK, the Conservation Collective and Refugee Action. He has written extensively on topics such as theory of change, research methods and evaluation theory.

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.”

Recommended workshops

man person looking at documents thinking training

Three-hour workshop, online

Analysing the problem and planning for change 

Using a series of practical tools, this campaigning workshop will help you work through how to define your core campaign problem and concrete steps to developing your campaign plan.

Workshop Dates


Tues 27th Jan 2026, 10am-1pm
Thurs 30th Apr 2026, 10am-1pm
Wed 7th Oct 2026, 10am-1pm
Tues 9th Feb 2027, 10am-1pm

dummy pic

Three-hour workshop, online

Introduction to campaigning and social change

In this campaigning workshop you will learn about SMK’s ground-breaking concept of Social Power and how it can drive truly transformational change

Workshop Dates

Wed 21st Jan 2026, 10am-1pm
Wed 22nd April 2026, 10am-1pm
Wed 23rd Sept 2026, 2-5pm
Wed 27th Jan 2027, 10am-1pm

Sign up for the SMK newsletter

Campaigning is vital to a healthy society. We help campaigners to thrive. Sign up for news, events, training, jobs and recources. 

We will always respect your privacy. Read our Privacy Policy or click here to unsubscribe