Who We Are
The UK’s leading research centre for evaluation research rooted in inclusion, community participation and lived experience.
We evaluate the impact of organisations working to tackle inequality, exclusion and harm by researching alongside those most affected by community interventions.
We are world-leading evaluation specialists, academic experts and community practitioners working towards a peaceful, fairer society.
%20copy%204.png)
%20copy%202.png)
%20copy%205.png)
%20copy%207.png)
Inclusive evaluation is a movement to change policy research for the better, making it more relevant to and reflective of the people most affected by community development.
The evaluation of policies and programme is too often done to people, about people and without fairly involving people.
Inclusive evaluation:
-
Is co-designed with the people most affected, sharing power and decisions from the start.
-
Uses participatory methods—co-created surveys, workshops, peer research and ethnographic insights.
-
Captures real-life impact: how programmes relate to people’s lives, identities and contexts.
-
Reveals what works, for whom, and why—and where things fall short.
-
Builds learning loops during evaluation, through regular reflection, sense‑making and shared interpretation of findings.
-
Ensures findings are accessible, so evidence is understood, used and acted on.
Research should bring benefits to those choosing to take part: a time to reflect, learn from others and directly contribute to the future of policies affecting your world.
Evaluation is an underutilised tool in transforming communities and creating a fairer world. We started the Centre for Inclusive Evaluation to change that, one research project at a time.
How We Work
At CIE, how we work matters. Our approach is shaped by a belief that research, learning and evaluation are effective when they are inclusive, rigorous and grounded in real-world contexts.
Collaborate
We work collaboratively, spending time with people and organisations to understand what matters to them, how decisions are made, and what constraints exist in practice. We bring people together to talk openly and equally, creating space for reflection, dialogue and learning.
Evidence-Led
Our work is evidence-led and theoretically informed, but always practical. We draw on academic theory and robust research methods to generate insight, and we focus on translating that insight into clear, usable recommendations that support decision-making and improvement.
Honesty
We value honesty, dependability and trust. We are clear about what we can offer, we communicate consistently, and we deliver. Where work is complex or uncertain, we are candid and treat learning as part of the process.
What We Offer
We work across two connected areas to demonstrate impact, improve practice, and use evidence to create meaningful change.
Learning, reflection & capability-building
We support organisations to strengthen their thinking and practice through facilitation, workshops, training and learning partnerships. This includes Theory of Change development, reflective spaces for teams, and support to help people make confident, well-informed decisions.
Centre For Inclusive Evaluation Insights
15+
years of inclusive evaluation experience
4-5
research projects chosen each year
50+
evaluations completed with local communities
Our Work
Expertise
Driving social good across diverse themes - While all our work is driven by social good, the content is varied and our expertise covers a broad scope of topics. We bring deep analytical rigor to complex areas including migration, public health, security, and PCVE (Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism).
Experience
Working across all layers of governance - The Centre for Inclusive Evaluation has a proven track record of working across multiple layers of governance. We partner with NGOs, charities, local authorities, and national government departments to deliver meaningful impact.
Insights
Demystifying evaluation for everyone - We are committed to making research inclusive and accessible. Through our quarterly campaigns, we share insights into community-based research—from practical methods to core principles—ensuring evaluation is a tool everyone can use.
Our Partners
What Our Clients Say
“It has been an absolute pleasure working with [you], and I just wanted to say how grateful we are for the incredible support you have given to HARP throughout the programme.
Your approach, encouragement, and the way you engaged with both the team and the community made a real difference. As a HARP Community Connector, I personally found your support reassuring and empowering, and it genuinely strengthened the work we were able to deliver.”
Health Access for Refugees and Asylum Seekers (HARP), Coventry
"CIE brought clarity, rigour and sensitivity to a complex partnership environment. Their support helped us navigate some complicated intersectional issues to be able to articulate shared outcomes, strengthen collaboration across the voluntary, community and public sectors, and develop a practical, evidence-informed framework for inclusive decision-making across the London Borough of Tower Hamlets. The work has left a lasting legacy in how partners think about participation, learning and impact, and I would strongly recommend the Centre to any organisation committed to inclusive practice and meaningful change."
Cornerstone, Tower Hamelts CVS
“CIE offer a bespoke and involved evaluation experience that takes the confusion and fear out of reporting back to funders.
Their commitment to collecting rigorous data and including participants from across the project beneficiaries and delivery team gave us a rich understanding of our work.
Diving into what was and was not working, spending time with us, and supporting us to respond to recommendations.”
FaithAction
What to Expect
1
Contact
Drop us a phone call, email or use our contact form to outline your work and how the Centre for Inclusive Evaluation could support you.
2
Initial Meeting
We will arrange an initial meeting, online or in-person, to better understand what your organisation needs.
3
Proposal
We will draw up a proposal for how we could best work with you and your stakeholders to meet your requirements.
4
Research
Benefit from our collaborative working style and significant experience of working with a wide variety of clients as we get to know your people, projects and organisations.
5
Reporting and ongoing support
Once the research is completed and we report back, we remain committed to supporting your organisation to action any insights. This can be through disseminating the findings, presenting to stakeholders and facilitating workshops.
Work With Us
We would love to hear from you! If you’re interested in working with us or have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out.