At the core of our monitoring framework is the Theory of Change methodology, which promotes a cyclical approach to impact evaluation, and enables a deep understanding of how interventions work and the outcomes they achieve. This helps us to: • Map interventions to our institutional risks to Equality of Opportunity. • Establish a baseline Type 1 evaluation standard across the University. • Facilitate meta-analysis of institutional efforts supporting the APP. By doing so, we empower staff to better understand the impact of their work and support students effectively.

Theory of Change (ToC) provides a logical framework for designing and evaluating interventions. By identifying key assumptions, activities, outputs, outcomes, and impacts, staff can better understand the causal pathways and mechanisms driving change. This structured approach also encourages reflection on the broader context in which interventions are delivered. Learn more about Theory of Change from TASO.

Once a Theory of Change is established, staff are asked to create a Delivery and Evaluation Plan. This document outlines:

• Evaluation methods and outcome measures
• Indicators of success.
• Timelines and responsibilities for data collection.

The plan also includes space for reflections, summaries of intervention delivery, and any recommendations for future cycles. This proactive approach ensures interventions are effectively monitored and evaluated and informs institutional decision making.

To support staff, we’ve developed a two-part training programme:

1. Workshop 1: Introduction to APP, monitoring framework, and Theory of Change.
2. Workshop 2: Practical guidance on evaluation and reporting, including creating delivery plans and timelines.

Contact us for more information.

Our monitoring approach underpins the governance of APP activities, enabling governance bodies like the APP Oversight Group and its sub-groups to make informed, proactive decisions. By establishing minimum standards for monitoring and evaluation, we ensure robust analysis of interventions and greater accountability across the University.