Short Abstract

Welsh Government is strengthening its evaluation culture through advanced training, peer networks, and leadership. Our strategy embeds evidence in policymaking, fosters collaboration, and promotes accountability, informed by UK and international best practice,

Description

The Welsh Government has long championed a culture of evaluation, routinely commissioning and publishing findings from key policy evaluations, developing internal guidance (including a detailed Quality Assurance Framework), and delivering training and knowledge exchange activities for staff. This embedded practice reflects our commitment to evidence-informed policymaking and continuous improvement. However, we recognise that sustaining and deepening this culture requires ongoing investment, innovation, and leadership.

This presentation will outline our strategic approach to strengthening evaluation across the Welsh Government. We will share how we are expanding our internal training offer—rolling out Evaluation Academy-led sessions, introducing advanced and specialist modules, and hosting regular seminars and events. For non-analysts, particularly within the Policy Profession, we have developed targeted materials to highlight the role of evaluation in policy development.

To foster peer learning and collaboration, we are launching an Evaluation Network and establishing a cross-government group of evaluation champions—experienced practitioners who can advise on and support evaluations. We’ve also established a new Evaluation Board, led by the Chief Economist and our joint Chief Social Research Officers, to drive quality in appraisal and evaluation and promote its value to Ministers and senior leaders.

We will also cover routes for evaluators outside of government to ensure their evidence informs decision making on legislation, policy, and delivery. Our approach is informed by advice from the UK Evaluation Taskforce, National Audit Office, Analytical Heads of Profession, consultations with key suppliers, and learning from the Scottish Government’s experience in embedding evaluation across its systems.

Finally, we will discuss how we plan to measure progress, including through participation in the UK Government’s repeat evaluation skills survey. By sharing our journey, we hope to spark dialogue on how governments can embed evaluation not just as a technical function, but as a mindset—one that empowers staff, improves policy, and strengthens accountability.