A new training initiative from the North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board (NENC ICB) is set to enhance the skills of health and care staff in using research, evidence and evaluation in strategic commissioning. The series, developed and led by the NENC Research and Evidence Team, will begin in June with dates planned through to December 2025.
Targeted primarily at NENC ICB staff – but open to all health and care staff across the region – the sessions aim to bridge gaps in knowledge around evidence-based practice and evaluation, with a strong focus on improvement, innovation, and quality assurance in commissioning.
The series launches on 24 June 2025 with a 45-minute session titled ‘The role of evidence and evaluation in strategic commissioning: what you need to know’. This introductory module will explore the fundamentals of using evidence and understanding evaluation within the commissioning cycle, highlighting key statutory duties of the ICB and sharing how the NENC ICB Research and Evidence Team can support you or your team.
Follow-up sessions include:
The sessions aim to empower attendees to confidently conduct evidence searches, critically appraise research, design evaluations, and develop tools like questionnaires for data collection.
“This programme is a key part of our strategy to embed evidence-informed decision-making and continuous evaluation into the heart of our commissioning practices,” said Helen Martin, programme lead.
The training aligns with our ongoing commitment to be the best at getting better – with continuous learning and improvement at the heart of everything we do, and in the way in which we work.
For registration and further details, please visit the learning academy…
