Evaluation & Impact Assessment Of HR Policies & Strategies

CONCEPT NOTE

INTERNATIONAL TRAINING ON EVALUATION AND IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF HR POLICIES AND STRATEGIES

COURSE BACKGROUND

In an increasingly competitive and rapidly evolving global landscape, the success of organizations hinges on how effectively they manage their human capital. Human Resources (HR) policies and strategies play a vital role in shaping organizational culture, driving employee performance, and achieving strategic goals. However, many organizations implement HR initiatives without a clear understanding of their actual impact, often relying on assumptions rather than evidence.

This course by the Environmental Capacities and Sustainability Institute (ECAS) is designed to bridge that gap. It emphasizes the need for systematic evaluation of HR policies to determine what works, what doesn’t, and why. From recruitment and onboarding to employee engagement, diversity, training, and retention, organizations must assess the effectiveness of their HR practices to optimize outcomes and ensure alignment with broader organizational missions.

Participants will be introduced to evaluation frameworks, research methodologies, and data analysis techniques specifically adapted to the HR context. The course also addresses how to embed continuous learning and feedback into HR processes to improve fairness, inclusivity, and overall workforce satisfaction. Through hands-on sessions, case studies, and practical tools, learners will gain the skills to assess the real-world impact of HR policies and use the findings to influence strategy and organizational growth.

COURSE OBJECTIVES OF THE TRAINING

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

1. Understand key concepts and approaches in HR policy evaluation.
2. Design and implement impact assessments for HR strategies and programs.
3. Analyze both qualitative and quantitative data to evaluate HR outcomes.
4. Identify gaps and areas for improvement in current HR practices.
5. Develop actionable recommendations based on evidence.
6. Communicate findings effectively to HR stakeholders and leadership.

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN

This section provides a concise overview of the core competencies and practical knowledge participants will gain throughout the course. It outlines the skills needed to evaluate, interpret, and communicate the effectiveness of HR policies in ways that enhance organizational performance.

• The role of evaluation in HR management and strategy development
• Evaluation frameworks suited for HR policies
• Tools for collecting and analyzing HR-related data
• Key indicators for assessing impact on staff performance and organizational culture
• Writing and presenting HR evaluation reports
• Using evidence to influence strategic HR decision-making

DURATION AND PROGRAM
TARGET PARTICIPANTS

This course is ideal for a diverse group of professionals involved in managing and evaluating human resources within public, private, and non-governmental organizations. It is particularly suited for HR practitioners, HR analysts, and organizational development consultants who design and implement HR policies. Program managers and senior executives responsible for overseeing workforce development and strategic planning will benefit from gaining tools to assess policy effectiveness and impact.

Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) specialists will find the course valuable for integrating HR-related metrics into broader evaluation frameworks, while researchers and consultants engaged in labor policy or organizational audits will enhance their ability to deliver evidence-based recommendations. Additionally, the course is well-suited for professionals transitioning into HR leadership roles who seek a stronger foundation in policy assessment and performance analysis.

TRAINING STYLE

The modules will be taught through PowerPoint presentations, and lectures and will include a case study/field visit, breakout sessions, case studies and other interactive discussion components.

The course will also include a few guest speakers, both in person and via Zoom and other online learning platforms for overseas speakers. This provides useful real-world insights alongside the more theoretical aspects of the course.

The conference faculty shall consist of experienced decision makers, as well as practitioners and representatives from established educational and research institutions active around climate change, engineering and international development. Throughout the course, theoretical presentation of concepts will be moderated and more group discussions and plenary engagements will be optimized. PowerPoint presentations will be made by facilitators and resource persons, to highlight key concepts before embarking on group work.

TRAINING MODULES

No	Module	Details
	Introduction to HR Policy Evaluation	This module provides an essential foundation for participants to understand the purpose and scope of HR policy evaluation. It introduces evaluation as a strategic function and highlights the relevance of data-driven decision-making in human capital management. Topics: Importance of HR policy evaluation for organizational effectiveness Differentiating evaluation types: formative, summative, and impact assessments Core principles of evidence-based HR and organizational learning Ethical considerations in HR evaluation
	Designing an HR Evaluation Framework	This module equips participants with tools to construct tailored evaluation frameworks that reflect organizational needs and HR objectives. It emphasizes how to align evaluation with broader strategic goals. Topics: Developing logic models and theories of change for HR interventions Defining measurable objectives and evaluation questions Selecting meaningful indicators and defining success metrics Identifying reliable data sources and stakeholder roles
	Data Collection and Analysis in HR Contexts	This module delves into data collection strategies and analytical techniques to extract insights from HR-related activities. It promotes the application of both qualitative and quantitative methods for comprehensive evaluation. Topics: Designing HR surveys and interview guides Conducting focus groups and observational assessments Utilizing HR metrics: turnover, performance, engagement, diversity Statistical tools and software for HR data analysis
	Interpreting Results and Identifying Impact	Participants will learn to critically interpret evaluation results to identify trends, uncover gaps, and measure policy impacts. The module emphasizes actionable insight generation and understanding unintended outcomes. Topics: Linking findings to HR objectives and organizational performance Analyzing disparities and inclusion-related impacts Identifying best practices and areas for improvement Engaging stakeholders in result interpretation
	Reporting and Using Evaluation Results	This module teaches participants how to communicate their findings clearly and persuasively to different audiences. It focuses on turning insights into actionable strategies that inform HR planning and organizational development. Topics: Writing comprehensive and accessible HR evaluation reports Visualizing data for maximum clarity and impact Presenting to different stakeholders: HR teams, leadership, boards Translating findings into strategic recommendations and HR reforms
	Case Studies and Hands-On Evaluation Project	The final module provides practical experience through case analysis and a collaborative evaluation project. It reinforces the application of knowledge and skills gained throughout the course. Topics: Critical review of real-world HR policy evaluations Designing and conducting a team-based HR impact assessment Report writing, group presentations, and reflective feedback Lessons learned and next steps for implementing evaluations in participants’ organizations

9. GENERAL NOTES

• Training manuals and additional reference materials are provided to the participants.
• Upon successful completion of this course, participants will be issued with a certificate.
• We can also do this as a tailor-made course to meet organization-wide needs. Contact us to find out more: info@ecasiafrica.org.
• Payment should be sent to our bank account before the start of training and proof of payment sent to: info@ecasiafrica.org.

ABOUT ECAS INSTITUTE

The ECAS Institute designs and delivers independent and targeted training, research, and consulting services. Our work focusses on climate change and resilience building, carbon markets, renewable energy, nature-based solution, biodiversity conservation, agriculture and food systems, We are located in Nairobi Kenya and work across the African region. We have implemented training and research assignments in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, South Sudan, Somalia, Malawi, Rwanda, Congo, and South Africa. Globally, we have supported our partners from the UK, Denmark, Italy, Sweden, Germany, and USA.