Research Assessment
Our consultants are highly experienced in supporting research evaluation, including the UK Research Excellence Framework (REF), the Hong Kong Research Assessment Exercise (RAE), and an institution-wide evaluation at the University of Gothenburg in Sweden, Research Evaluation for Development.
We use this expertise to support impact case study authors, reviewers and senior teams with a range of REF-focused training workshops, mentoring and consultancy services.
Supporting Impact Case Study Authors
Our consultants and associates are experienced in assisting REF case study authors to maximise their chances of a 3 or 4-star case study. From evidence gathering and drafting impact case studies from scratch to reviewing, editing and providing feedback on existing draft case studies, we can support across the various stages of ICS development:
Phase 1 - Evidence gathering and testimonial interviews
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Collation and review of existing impact evidence and academic documents associated with the project; interviews with the research team
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Identifying relevant stakeholders and undertaking testimonial interviews
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Writing the first draft of the case study
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Phase 2 - Review and development of existing ICS drafts
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Ensuring case studies adhere to eligibility rules and submission guidance and identifying areas for improvement
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Editing of existing drafts
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Recommendations for further evidence collection
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Advice and guidance on developing the impact narrative
To find out more about how we can support your ICS authors please email us at hello@walcottcomms.co.uk or send an enquiry using the contact us form.
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In addition to these bespoke services, we also offer two in-person workshops for ICS authors - Introduction to REF Impact and Writing a REF Impact Case Study.
Supporting REF Impact Case Study Reviewers
NEXT ONLINE WORKSHOP WEDNESDAY 22 JANUARY 2025
We support those new to reviewing impact case studies and anyone providing REF impact support for the first time - UoA and department leads or directors of impact who would like to increase their confidence when reviewing impact case studies. Whether improving understanding of how to assess reach and significance in draft impact case studies, the requirements of the impact case study template, or evidence best practice, our consultants can help reviewers identify how to provide constructive feedback fairly and as reasoned potential scoring.
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Our next online workshop is on Wednesday 22 January 2025. Places are limited so reserve your place now.
REF Impact Support for Senior Teams
Before a REF case study gets off the ground, it requires strategic development by senior teams. Our consultants offer several services to assist senior teams in this work, including using our framework for case study evaluation and progression to provide a health report on your REF case studies and pipeline, shortlisting assistance, and long-term mentoring to help whole cohorts of case studies to progress in impact maturity over the REF cycle. We can also facilitate REF mock review panels to provide external reviews of impact case studies and impact and engagement statements.
REF Impact Case Study Assessment Tool
Our REF case study assessment tool provides impact leads with a defined framework to assess their impact pipeline. The tool is a standalone product that teams can use to input and manage their data, or as part of a broader support package. A good communication tool to explain decision-making, it enables a logical impact pipeline assessment that can be used to focus limited resources.
