Understanding the impact of Acas training and workplace projects

Research brief - developing an evaluation framework: pilot phase

Introduction and research aim

This research, commissioned by Acas and led by the Institute for Employment Studies (IES), aims to design and pilot a standardised evaluation framework for Acas training and workplace projects, which includes e-learning and webinars. IES is an independent research centre specialising in employment policy and practice. Acas is committed to making working life better for everyone in Britain, and to achieve this mission, they provide high-quality training alongside their free and impartial advice. By developing a robust evaluation framework, Acas will be able to effectively measure the difference it is making to the people and organisations that use its training.

The initial scoping phase of this research gathered evidence to support the development of the evaluation model and tools. This has been completed, and we are now moving on to pilot the proposed evaluation tools. Your participation at this stage will help Acas improve how it measures training outcomes, to ensure its approach is simple, relevant, and effective.

What does this research involve?

The pilot phase will involve the following stages:

  1. The development of an initial evaluation survey.
  2. Conducting interviews with 6 previous Acas training delegates to refine the survey.
  3. Distributing the revised pilot survey to a broader group of past training delegates.
  4. Analysing the survey responses and making further refinements based on the findings.

Past training delegates will be involved in the research at two key stages:

  • Virtual interviews with an IES researcher to help shape and refine the evaluation survey questions before distribution.
  • Participation in an online survey to respond to the evaluation questions.

Taking part in a virtual interview

Previous training delegates can take part in a one-hour interview to help us test and refine a survey that will be used to evaluate Acas training. During this interview, delegates will complete the survey while sharing their thoughts about it aloud. This helps IES understand how you interpret the questions, whether the wording is clear, and if anything feels confusing or difficult to answer.Delegates will be evaluating the survey tool, not the training itself. No preparation is required for this interview. Participants who complete the interview will receive a £30 voucher as a thank-you for their time.

IES will seek permission to record the interview, enabling us to generate detailed notes for analysis. You do not have to consent to the interview recording, and it will not affect your ability to participate. In this case, we will take written notes during the interview.

We aim to begin conducting these interviews from November 17th and anticipate they will be completed by the end of November.

Completing the online survey

From the end of November 2025, the online survey will be distributed via a survey platform, Snap Surveys. Everyone who receives an invite is welcome to complete the survey. You do not need to have been interviewed, and you do not need to volunteer to take part. It will take no more than 15 minutes to complete. The questions will explore your reactions to the training, what you have learned and how you’ve applied (or intend to apply) the learning in your work. It will also include a small number of demographic questions, where the information will be used when analysing data, and will not identify any individuals. There is no monetary reward for participating in the survey.

At the end of the survey, delegates may be asked if they are willing to be contacted by an IES researcher to discuss their training experience further. If you choose to volunteer, you will be asked to provide a contact email address. This is not compulsory and does not affect your ability to complete the survey.

What happens to your personal data?

Participation in this research is entirely voluntary. All data processing complies with UK GDPR. Your personal data will be stored securely on IES servers, and only research team members will have access. The personal data we use to contact you, as well as the audio files from interview recordings, will be securely deleted from the IES systems at the end of the project (approx. April 2026).

For further information about the use of your personal data, please see the project privacy notice.

Next steps

Take part in an interview - If you wish to volunteer to take part in an interview to help us test and refine a survey, please submit your details here.

You do not have to volunteer to participate in the survey, delegates will be invited by email to participate from the end of November 2025.

If you have any questions about this research or your participation, please do not hesitate to contact:

Thank you for considering contributing to this research.