10 Feb 2025*Applications for 2025 are now closed*
Do you work in social care, public health, local government, or frontline health services and want to use research evidence to improve your work or organisation but need help getting started with a clear plan for change?
The Evidence in Practice: An Introductory Course, run by the NIHR ARC North Thames Academy, is for social care, local government, and frontline health service staff who want to learn how to use research evidence in their work. This course will help you find, understand, and apply evidence to make changes in your organisation.
Why take this course?
This course includes flexible online, self-paced learning combined with two in-person sessions, where tutors and facilitators will guide you and help you create a plan to make meaningful changes in your workplace.
What will this course cover?
How long is the course?
The course will open on the 3rd of March 2025 and runs for 9 weeks, ending on the 2nd of May 2025 (see below). We estimate that completing the course will require a total of 12 hours of study time. Sessions 1 and 2 are fully flexible and self-paced, so you can work through the material at your own speed. Sessions 3 and 4 are live, in-person sessions, taking place in Central London.
Online and self-paced learning:
Available on demand from the 3rd of March 2025.
Session 1 - What is research evidence and why do we use it in practice?
Session 2 - Accessing, appraising and interpreting evidence
Live and group learning:
In person on the 11th of April and 2nd of May 2025.
Session 3 – Applying evidence into practice (11th April, 9:30 am - 1:00 pm)
Session 4 – Planning for action (2nd May, 9:30 am - 1:00 pm)
Participants will receive a certificate of completion, which can be exchanged for CPD credits, if they complete at least 80% of the course activities (including attending the in-person sessions), and provide feedback on the course.
Who is the course for?
This course is suitable for social care, local government, and frontline health service staff. This course is not aimed at academics or researchers, and you do not need to have advanced knowledge of evidence-based practices to take part.
Please note that there are limited places available so applications will be shortlisted with priority given to members of NIHR ARC NT partners organisations.
Participants must be available to complete all self-paced course work and workbook activities and be available to participate in the 2 live in-person sessions.
How do I apply?
Applications for 2025 are now closed.
We announce applications opening for all of our courses via our mailing list. If you would like to be added to our mailing list to receive these notifications or have any queries about this course, please email arc.academy@ucl.ac.uk.
Contact
If you have any questions about this course or our organisation, please email us at arc.academy@ucl.ac.uk
Feedback from our previous participants:
"Great facilitation and reading materials. Very much enjoyed the activities and opportunities to share ideas and get feedback from other professionals.”
"Well organised and structured, reaffirmed the importance of evidence in practice and how to implement these links contextually.”
"I had a great time attending this course. I found that it was pitched at exactly the right level for me (some experience of research and critical appraisal) ... I particularly found the in person sessions useful because there is something special about meeting people and sharing ideas/getting feedback on your work ... The coursework online was very well organised and sessions laid out in a clear way. Overall I'm so grateful for the opportunity to take part and would definitely do another NIHR course.”
"This course was fantastic, it felt daunting at first but the enthusiasm of the course leaders really helped me to develop.”
"Really fantastic course - I feel I've learnt a great deal. All presenters [were] very engaging and knowledgeable. I will definitely book further courses."