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.
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.
Research to explore recruitment and retention in adult social care, within and across systems
The EPA Unit have been commissioned by Skills for Care to conduct research that identifies best practice, potential barriers, and proposed solutions in the recruitment and retention of the adult social care workforce at both provider and system levels. By generating insight into the conditions and investments needed to strengthen workforce sustainability, the research will support a coordinated approach to meeting future demand for adult social care.
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
Healthy Air for Healthy Lungs Programme Evaluation
Our team is evaluating the ‘Healthy Air for Healthy Lungs’ programme, an indoor air quality initiative in Warrington and St Helens funded by DEFRA (implemented by local authorities). The evaluation explores how the programme was delivered and its impact on household air quality, awareness, and behaviour. Using data from air quality monitors, surveys, and interviews, we are assessing changes in pollutant levels, health outcomes, and the effectiveness of education and behaviour change components to inform future public health interventions
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
