We are an interdisciplinary evaluation and policy analysis unit, bringing together specialists from across health, education, social policy, and the applied social sciences. We design and deliver rigorous, theory-driven evaluations that help programmes and services demonstrate value, outcomes, and drive real-world change.
Our core services
We offer a comprehensive range of services, including:
Programme Evaluations – Full end-to-end evaluation design and delivery for local, regional, and national programmes.
Policy Analysis & Evidence-Informed Guidance – Independent research and expert advice to support effective policy development and implementation.
Systematic & Rapid Evidence Reviews – Robust literature synthesis to identify best practice and inform commissioning and funding decisions.
Survey Design & Data Analysis – Bespoke survey development, implementation, and advanced data analysis to generate meaningful insights.
Learning Partnership – Through a learning partnership, we help you understand how your processes and services are performing and how to strengthen what matters most.
We provide tailored, high-quality evaluation solutions for a wide range of partners, including local authorities, the NHS, third sector organisations, and government departments, supporting them to understand what works, for whom, and in what context.
Evaluating Inclusive Education through Universal Design for Learning
Led by Professor Peter Hick (EPA) and Dr Kevin Cahill (University College Cork), the EPA Unit are undertaking an independent evaluation of the NCSE Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Support Model Pilot. Funded by the National Council for Special Education (NSCE), the evaluation explores how schools can embed inclusive practices through UDL, which is an evidence-based framework that helps teachers design learning to support all students. The two-year evaluation will inform future policy and practice in inclusive education, contributing to the NCSE’s vision of a world-class, inclusive education system for Ireland.
The EPA Unit at Edge Hill University is leading a three-year independent evaluation of the Welsh Ambulance Services NHS Trust’s Clinical Model Transformation Programme. This ambitious system-wide reform aims to improve patient safety, experience, and outcomes across 111, 999, and Ambulance Care services. Our mixed-methods evaluation, delivered in partnership with Swansea University, examines how digital triage, remote care, and integrated service models can deliver safer, more efficient, and equitable emergency and urgent care across Wales.
Biologics Regional Innovation and Technology Ecosystem (BRITE) Programme Evaluation
We are leading the independent evaluation of the Biologics Regional Innovation and Technology Ecosystem (BRITE)programme, a multimillion-pound initiative led by the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine. BRITE aims to strengthen the UK’s biologics and biomanufacturing capacity by connecting higher education, industry, and regional stakeholders. Our mixed-methods evaluation, combining social network analysis, stakeholder interviews, and performance tracking, assesses how BRITE fosters collaboration, builds sustainable business models, and aligns with regional innovation priorities to drive economic impact across the Liverpool City Region
Evaluation of the Barnardo’s LINK Young People’s Social Prescribing Service
The EPA team is conducting an independent evaluation of Barnardo’s LINK service, a pioneering social prescribing model for children and young people in Lancashire and South Cumbria. The evaluation explores how the LINK service is improving wellbeing through tailored one-to-one support and signposting to community base support. Using mixed methods, we are assessing outcomes for young people and families and the programme’s wider social impact to inform future scaling
“The EPA’s approachability, their passion, their flexibility , they are very easy to work with, a competent excellent team, credible and knowledgeable in their field. They go the extra mile because of their commitment and passion for their work.”
Helena Dunbar – Chief Executive Officer, Kentown Support, (Kentown Programme Evaluation commissioned by Together for Short Lives).
Skills for Care
“Working with EPA has been an absolute pleasure. From their bid submission it was clear that they completely understood the brief and were able to execute an excellent piece of work. Their communication is second to none and we were kept updated on progress throughout.”
Serena Lunn – Senior Engagement Lead at Skills for Care (Research project commissioned by Skills for Care).
Contact us
If you would like to contact us to discuss a potential project or tender, please email us using the details below.