: Work with us Join the Cornwall Research School Evidence Advocacy Network

What is Evidence Advocacy?

“Influencing existing systems and structures to be more evidence informed.”

About the Evidence Advocacy Network:

Cornwall Research School’s Evidence Advocacy Network (EAN) brings together education professionals who are passionate about using research and evidence to improve teaching, learning and decision-making.

The network supports Cornwall Research School, the wider Research School Network (RSN) and the Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) in their shared mission to break the link between family income and educational achievement.

We welcome interest from education professionals across Cornwall, Devon and the wider South West, representing a wide range of school settings, phases and professional backgrounds.

Evidence Advocates share our commitment to using research and evidence to improve education. The network values:

Credibility and reach – the ability to engage with and influence colleagues and wider networks.

Knowledge and experience – an understanding of evidence-informed processes and practice.

Communication and planning – the ability to communicate effectively and consider how evidence can be shared and used.

Approach – a commitment to collaboration, humility and moral purpose.

Representation – collectively, a network that reflects the diversity of the education profession and includes a range of personal and organisational backgrounds.

Interested in becoming an Evidence Advocate?

If you would like to be involved in the CRS Evidence Advocacy Network, please complete our expression of interest form HERE

Advocates will share research, encourage discussion and help colleagues consider how evidence can inform teaching, leadership and decision-making.

The CRS Evidence Advocacy Network are encouraged to help build a community of professionals who are committed to evidence-informed practice. Supporting Cornwall Research School in promoting the use and understanding of research and evidence across educational settings in Cornwall and the wider South West.

A key focus of the network is understanding and addressing the factors that contribute to the link between socio-economic disadvantage and educational outcomes.

Our work will include a particular focus on:

* Socio-economic disadvantage – continuing to understand and address the barriers that can affect educational outcomes.
* Childcare and the early years – recognising the importance of high-quality early education and its contribution to children’s development and learning.
* Evidence-informed practice – supporting the infrastructure, knowledge and professional culture needed to use evidence effectively in education.

Cornwall Research School’s work is aligned with the Research School Network (RSN) regional strategy, which provides a framework for our wider programme of work.

How the network works:
The CRS Evidence Advocacy Network meets once each term for a 45 minute session. These sessions provide an opportunity for Evidence Advocates to connect with colleagues, explore relevant research and receive support from the CRS core team.

Sessions may include:
* Updates from Cornwall Research School
* Research School Network (RSN) and Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) news
* Relevant professional development and training
* Research summaries and discussion
* Useful resources and opportunities to share practice

What does an Evidence Advocate contribute?
Evidence Advocates are encouraged to take what they learn back into their own settings and help build a culture of evidence-informed practice.

This might include:
* Sharing relevant research and resources with colleagues
* Working with teaching and learning leads to inform professional development and CPD
* Keeping up to date with EEF reports and relevant educational research
* Modelling evidence-informed practice and sharing examples of effective practice
* Working with senior and middle leaders to support evidence-informed decision-making
* Connecting and collaborating with other Evidence Advocates across the region
* Evidence Advocates will also have opportunities to contribute to the work of Cornwall Research School. This could include:
* Writing a blog or article
* Delivering a session such as a webinar, conference session or evidence briefing
* Contributing to CRS content, such as a video, podcast, animation or evidence resource
* What are the benefits?

For Evidence Advocates, being part of the network provides opportunities to:
* Develop your understanding of educational research and evidence-informed practice
* Access the wider Research School Network (RSN) and Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) network
* Connect with colleagues and share ideas and effective practice
* Develop leadership and communication skills
* Explore how research can be translated into practical approaches within your setting
* Contribute to the wider evidence-informed education community

For schools, the network aims to:
* Develop a stronger culture of evidence-informed decision-making
* Increase engagement with educational research across the wider staff team
* Strengthen the implementation of evidence-informed approaches
* Share effective practice and learn from other schools
* Develop staff knowledge, skills and leadership around evidence-informed practice
* Build sustainable capacity for using research to inform school improvement

Building a sustainable network:
By developing a strong network of Evidence Advocates across Cornwall and the wider South West, we aim to create a community where education professionals can share research, learn from one another and support the effective use of evidence in their settings.

If you are interested in supporting CRS as an evidence advocate please complete the expression of interest form HERE