Following principles of proportionality and appropriateness in evaluation design, we have constructed a matrix to help identify the level and type of evaluation that an individual project receives. We consider the level of resourcing that a project receives (including staff, finances and profile) against the level of existing evidence (either from previous impact evaluations or from sector-wide research). From this, all of our projects are allocated an evaluation category.

All of our projects follow a Theory of Change model to understand the intended outcomes. These outcomes are then mapped to the NERUPI framework to generate objectives, which then form the basis of evaluation questions.

The focus of the WAPEET team’s work is on impact evaluation, but our outreach practitioners are also trained to conduct process evaluation to support them in iterative design and reflective practice. We then incorporate the process evaluation insights through reflective opportunities such as Project Lead feedback and collaborative impact workshops.

Click below to see the planned and completed evaluation activity for outreach activities across the 2024/25 academic year.

As well as conducting impact evaluations, the team also conduct evidence reviews and support the wider University to make evidence-based decisions. We disseminate our evidence internally such as through our WAPEET Bulletin which rounds up both internal and sector research on widening access and participation issues. The latest edition of the WAPEET bulletin from April 2023 is available, and previous editions are linked to at the end of each bulletin. Furthermore, we curate a Zotero library of current research which is available to all UEA staff to use.

As well as conducting impact evaluations, the team also conduct evidence reviews and support the wider University to make evidence-based decisions. We disseminate our evidenced internally such as through our WAPEET Bulletin which rounds up both internal and sector research on widening access and participation issues. Furthermore, we curate a Zotero library of current research which is available to all UEA staff to use.

We also work with external agencies to commission market research for UEA to support us in widening access and participation strategy.

We’ll be publishing completed evidence reviews on this page – coming soon.

We also have the following evidence reviews in progress:

• Wellbeing of LGBTQ+ Students – a literature review and analysis of UEA students
• Gypsy, Roma, Traveller, Showmen and Boatmen – a literature review
• Financial Support

If you have any research or data to share with us, we would be so grateful if you got in touch.