Course description

There is no shortage of evidence about the social, economic and demographic challenges facing local communities across Europe. European institutions, national and local governments, universities, civil society organisations and international bodies have invested heavily in generating data, research and evaluation findings. However, a significant challenge remains: ensuring that evidence is effectively used to inform policy decisions and support meaningful social change at the local level.

Local policymakers and practitioners across Europe operate in complex environments shaped by competing priorities, limited resources, political pressures and urgent community needs. Even where relevant evidence exists, it can be difficult to identify, interpret and apply research findings in ways that are timely, practical and responsive to local circumstances.

This three-day executive training course (25-27 November 2026) is designed for professionals working in policy, public administration, local government, public services, civil society organisations and community development across Europe. The programme will strengthen participants' capacity to make effective use of evidence in policy design, implementation and evaluation, while building productive relationships with researchers, service providers and community stakeholders.

Participants will develop a practical understanding of how evidence can support policy innovation and social change, while recognising the limits of evidence and the importance of political, institutional and social contexts. Through European and local case studies, real-world examples and interactive learning activities, the course will explore how evidence is interpreted, negotiated and incorporated into policymaking processes and how local actors can foster stronger links between knowledge, policy and practice.

The training combines perspectives from policymakers, practitioners, researchers and community organisations from across Europe. Participants will work collaboratively to explore examples of successful evidence-informed policymaking and identify practical strategies for strengthening engagement between evidence producers, evidence users and communities.

Who should attend

• Professionals from European institutions, national administrations, local authorities, civil society organisations and research organisations working on policy and social change across Europe.
• Local government officers and public sector managers.
• Staff from civil society organisations, NGOs and community organisations.
• Policy advisors and consultants.
• Leaders and managers working in sectors such as social inclusion, migration, housing, health, education, community development and public services.
• Professionals responsible for strategy, planning, programme design and evaluation.

A relevant professional background and experience in policy, public administration, service delivery or community engagement is recommended.

Eligibility: This training is open only to professionals who are currently based and working in Europe. Applications from candidates whose professional activity is based outside Europe are not eligible.

 

Learning outcomes

By the end of the training, participants will be able to:

1. Critically assess and interpret different forms of evidence relevant to local policy challenges.
2. Develop strategies for integrating evidence into policy design, implementation and evaluation.
3. Understand the opportunities and challenges involved in using evidence to support social change at local level.
4. Build effective relationships with researchers, practitioners, community organisations and other stakeholders.
5. Identify barriers to evidence use and develop approaches to overcoming institutional, political and organisational constraints.
6. Design engagement strategies that strengthen connections between evidence, policy and practice.

 

Learning methods

• Expert-led sessions delivered by policymakers, practitioners, researchers and civil society leaders with extensive experience of evidence-informed decision-making.
• Interactive workshops focused on real-world policy challenges and the application of evidence to local social issues.
• Group exercises exploring stakeholder engagement, partnership-building and collaborative problem-solving.
• Analysis of case studies demonstrating successful and unsuccessful examples of evidence use in policy and practice.
• Peer learning activities enabling participants to reflect on their own professional experiences and contexts.

Information for applicants

A limited number of scholarships are available, covering the participation fee and providing a contribution towards travel and accommodation costs.

• the relevance of the applicant’s professional role and experience to the themes of the training;
• the applicant’s potential to apply the knowledge and skills gained through the training within their organisation, local authority or community;
• the applicant’s motivation to participate in the training and to share or apply the learning afterwards;
• financial need, particularly where applicants work in organisations, local authorities or civil society organisations with limited resources for professional development and training.

Applicants requesting a scholarship should briefly explain how the training is relevant to their work, how they expect to use the knowledge and skills gained afterwards, and why financial support is needed to enable their participation.