Research paper and people analyzing the work

Research for Design for Social Impact

PROGRAMME SUMMARY

Registration for our upcoming course in September 2025 is now open

An intimate, group program for UK-based, non-profit, social value and academic changemakers who want to design equity-centred, anti-oppressive monitoring, evaluation and research for social action

Conventional Monitoring, Evaluation, "Needs Assessments" and Research Processes Do Not Centre Equity

Conventional knowledge production in the social impact space often prioritizes metrics and funding over genuine human connection and societal change.

Buzzwords like "impact metrics," "grant funding," "value for money" and "publish or perish" dominate the discourse.

While this approach may yield quick results for some, it leaves conscientious social impact practitioners feeling disheartened.

For you, it's not just about quick pre-determined indicators; it's about making a tangible difference in people's lives.

You prioritize integrity and ethical conduct in your evidence practices.
You want to research design processes that will inform meaningful social impact projects.

But if you’re reading this, chances are you haven’t figured out how to embody those values in your monitoring, research or evaluation work. And that’s because your training wasn’t made for people like you.

You need a different approach.

Is this course for you?

At Design for Social Impact Lab, our purpose is to create a profound social impact by revolutionising the way organisations and individuals approach social change.

We support organisations design equity-centred programs, policies, research and learning. Our approach to research and learning is rebellious and anti-oppressive.

Funded by UKRI, in collaboration with the University of Bristol and the University of East London, we are offering up to 20 places on our signature Research Design for Social Impact course for small charities, community-based organisations, social value practitioners, activists and volunteers whose work support historically underserved and global majority populations in the UK.

We particularly welcome applications from people who belong to groups that are underrepresented in research careers, including:

Members of Global Majority groups: People from racial and ethnic groups who have experienced systemic racism and/othering .
Refugees and Asylum Seekers: Individuals who have been forced to flee their countries.
Low-Income and Socio-Economically Disadvantaged Individuals: People from low-income backgrounds who have faced systemic socio-economic barriers.
People with Disabilities: Those who have experienced barriers to access and inclusion due to disabilities.
Formerly Incarcerated Individuals: People who have been incarcerated and faced significant barriers to reintegration and access to opportunities..

This continuous professional development course is fully-funded through the University of East London's Social transformation and advocacy through research (STAR) partnership with UKRI

Funded by OfS and Research England, the UEL STAR project aims to increase the participation of global majority individuals in postgraduate research (PGR) study and research careers by offering a targeted programme that enhances research and research advocacy skills from school to undergraduate to masters to doctoral levels.

Participants on this course will have the opportunity to learn more and apply for fully and partially-funded places on the University of East London's MRes Social Justice courses.

So, are you....?

UK-based
An employee or volunteer for a community-based, social justice organisation?
From a Global Majority or historically underserved community?
In a small-medium organisation with limited CPD budget?
Eager to learn anti-oppressive approaches to research?
In a role where you design “evidence” based social impact programs and would like some additional tools and a community space?
Looking for a course designed by practitioners, for practitioners?

If the answer is yes, then come join us, September 12th 2025 for an 6-week learning journey. (Not from one of these groups but still interested? We offer fee-paying courses for non-profit practitioners, academics and UX researchers. Click here for more information)

We meet on Fridays, 10- 11:30 AM with a couple of sessions scheduled for 1:30-3 PM GMT
Once accepted, you will be sent timetable, with calendar invites.

You will need to have access to the internet to do this course and at least an intermediate level of English.

You'll come away with ideas and tangible actions, reshaping the narratives and power dynamics that perpetuate inequality.

Most importantly, you'll have tried and tested methods that you can apply to your own work and practice.

What you can expect from the course, and us:

The Research for Design for Social Impact is not your standard online course. Our six sessions together are designed to empower you with innovative tools, fresh perspectives, and practical skills to drive social change within your research practice.

You will give you a fantastic opportunity to join a group of peers who want to integrate a critical, participatory action-orientated approach to your scholarship, monitoring, evaluation, research and learning (MERL). The programme is for you if you’re looking for:

A 6-week programme, comprised of bi-weekly 1- 1.5 hour, online sessions, and learning activities, grounded in equity-centred design thinking, anti-racism and anti-colonial practice.
An Introduction to creative, participatory research approaches to research methods and joint analysis
Practical and tried and tested examples around how to build in participatory evidence & research within resistant organisations, and with resistant funders.
Weekly engagement in course content via either self-led reading and reflection activities or participation in live webinars.
Discussion, learning and exploration of topics like power and anti-oppressive approaches to monitoring, evaluation, research and learning.
Interactive approaches to learning and development which prioritise peer learning rather than lengthy lectures.
Webinars will be recorded and available following the end of the course.
A certificate of completion (if you attend 80% of the course) from the University of East London and University of Bristol

By the end of the course, you will come away with:

The language, frameworks, and conceptual understanding of what research equity design means and looks like in your work.
Practical experience of applying theory to practice- You'll be working on real-life challenges and supported by a team who has decades of experience designing equity centred MERL.
An individualised action plan to embed Design for Social Impact's eight principles into your work.
Continuous opportunities to learn and engage - you will be part of a community of learners who can support and learn from one another. We actively encourage collaborative learning, dialogue, and sharing of experiences and job opportunities to foster a sense of solidarity.

Click here to apply for a fully-funded place, September 2025

Your Guest Lecturers

On this course, you get to learn with and from a diverse group of people!

Each week we invite practitioners to share their experiences of integrating anti-oppressive research and evaluation methods. These community conversations are practical, enriching and show you how a diverse range of people, from around the globe, are applying these methods in a wide variety of non-profit and research roles.

Scroll below to see some of our previous faculty members

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What makes this different from other courses ?

Equity-Centered Focus: Unlike many other courses, we put equity at the core of everything we do. Our curriculum is designed to not only educate but to empower you with the tools and mindset needed to create programs that challenge systemic biases and address structural inequalities. We're not just teaching theory; we're guiding you in making a real-world impact.
Intersectionality and Inclusivity: We recognize that social issues are complex and interconnected. Our course integrates intersectionality, ensuring that y
Hands-On Learning: This is not a passive learning experience. Our course is highly practical, with opportunities for you to apply what you've learned in real-world scenarios. From participatory approaches to ethical considerations, you'll gain actionable skills you can implement immediately.
Diverse Perspectives: We value diversity in thought and experience. Our instructors bring a wealth of knowledge and come from diverse backgrounds. Additionally, we encourage dialogue and collaboration among participants, fostering a rich learning environment where you can gain insights from peers with varied perspectives.
Rebellious Approach: We challenge the status quo. While other courses may stick to conventional models, we encourage you to embrace a rebellious mindset that questions established norms and power dynamics. Our goal is to empower you to be a catalyst for meaningful change in your field.
Ethical Foundations: We prioritize ethical practices and community ownership. Our course equips you with the skills to navigate the ethical complexities of program development, ensuring that your initiatives are not only effective but also respectful and inclusive.
Community and Networking: Joining our course means becoming part of a supportive community. You'll have the opportunity to connect with fellow learners, instructors, and experts who are equally passionate about creating a more just and equitable world. Networking and collaboration are at the heart of our educational experience.

What if I can't make every live session?

We understand that life can be busy, and attending every session may not always be possible. Rest assured, we've designed our course with flexibility in mind to accommodate various schedules and commitments. Here's how we support participants who may miss some sessions:

Recorded Sessions: Whenever feasible, we record our live sessions. This means that even if you can't attend a session in real-time, you'll have access to the recording at a later time that suits you. You won't miss out on any valuable content.
Course Materials: All course materials, including presentations, readings, assignments, and resources, are made available to participants. You can access these at any time, allowing you to catch up on missed content independently.
Discussion Forums: Our online platform often includes discussion forums where participants can engage with each other and instructors outside of live sessions. This is an excellent opportunity to ask questions, share insights, and stay connected even if you can't attend every session.
Office Hours: Instructors may offer office hours or additional support sessions to address questions and concerns from participants who couldn't attend specific sessions. These sessions provide a chance for more personalized interaction.
Peer Collaboration: Many of our participants find value in collaborating with peers. You can connect with fellow learners to discuss session content, share notes, and help each other fill in any gaps from missed sessions.
Course Extensions: In some cases, we may offer the option to extend course access beyond the original end date, allowing you more time to catch up on missed sessions.

While we encourage active participation and attendance whenever possible, we understand that life can be unpredictable. Our goal is to ensure that you have the resources and support needed to make the most out of your learning experience, even if you can't attend every session. Feel free to reach out to our support team or instructors if you have specific concerns about attendance or access to course materials. Your learning journey is important to us, and we're here to help you succeed.

I'm not fluent in English, Is this available in other languages?

My job is pretty busy- what sort of time commitment do I need?

Who will facilitate the course?

Can we take this course as a team?

Course overview

Week 1: Rethinking Evidence – Why Research Needs a Redesign

What is design for social impact? And what does it mean to do learning and evaluation differently?
Why traditional MERL (Monitoring, Evaluation, Research & Learning) approaches often reinforce power imbalances.
Introducing ethical, anti-oppressive, and equity-centred approaches for community-based and public sector work.
How this links to the Public Services (Social Value) Act and local authority responsibilities.

Week 2: Whose Voices Count? Intersectionality & Inclusion in Learning

Theme: Making visible the communities often erased from data and decisions.

Understanding intersectionality: What it means and why it matters in your research, engagement, or evaluation work.
How race, class, gender, disability, migration status and more shape people’s experiences with public services and systems.
Redesigning consent, data collection and reporting with care and access in mind.

Week 3: Anti-Racist & Anti-Colonial Approaches in Social Value Work

Theme: From ticking boxes to transforming systems.

How traditional research reinforces colonial and racial hierarchies—even when well-intended.

Case examples of decolonial and anti-racist practices in evaluation, community engagement and public policy.

Tools and frameworks to embed racial justice in the design and use of research evidence

Week 4: Community-Led and Activist Methodologies

Theme: Grounding research in lived experience, collective organising and public accountability.

Deep dive into participatory, grassroots, and creative methods like:
- Photovoice: community-led photography for evidence and storytelling.
- Community Cartographies: mapping power, risk and belonging from the ground up.
How activist methods can support local authorities and CBOs to evidence social value without extraction.

Week 5: Co-Analysis & Collective Sense-Making

Theme: Making meaning with "communities", not for them.

Moving beyond surveys: What does genuine collaboration look like in data analysis?
Tools for facilitating inclusive co-analysis and reflection with community members, frontline staff and residents.
Real-world examples of shared analysis improving service design and community engagement.

Weeks 6: Action Planning and Future Directions

Theme: Applying Research for Design Principles in Practice
- Designing and implementing equity-centred monitoring, evaluation, research and learning projects.
- Presenting findings and discussing the potential for social action.
- Reflecting on the challenges and successes of the research process
- Afro Futurism & charting the path forward and encouraging ongoing engagement in rebellious monitoring, evaluation, research and learning processes.