Supporting early career evaluators: A network for a growing community

Starting out in evaluation can be exciting but also uncertain. Many people enter the field from varied professional and educational backgrounds, often without a clear sense of what evaluation involves or where to find guidance. Within organisations, evaluation is not always well understood, and new evaluators may find themselves working in isolation—without peers who share their experience. 

The UK Evaluation Society is addressing this challenge through the Early Career Evaluator Network (ECEN), a growing community designed to represent and support evaluators in the early stages of their careers. 

What the Network Offers 

The ECEN is here to: 

1. Build a supportive community, offering guidance and resources for those newly navigating evaluation. 

1. Facilitate connections among ECEs, helping members develop professional relationships across the sector. 

1. Shape UK Evaluation Society training and development so it reflects the needs of early career professionals. 

We have already created a dedicated LinkedIn space for ECEs to connect, hosted an EvalNatter and a conference panel on early career experiences, and are planning more activities. 

Why Join UKES as an Early Career Evaluator 

UKES has introduced a special membership rate for early career evaluators. Membership gives you access to opportunities tailored for those starting out, including: 

• Training designed for building strong foundations, such as Essentials in Evaluation and Theory of Change. 

• Informal networking opportunities, including Coffee Roulette and Eval Natter, where you can meet peers and share experiences. 

• A national community of evaluators at all career stages, committed to strengthening the field. 

Who Counts as an ECE? 

We use the term broadly. You may be an ECE if you are: 

• New to the field of evaluation, regardless of age or background. 

• In your first evaluation role or within your first few years of practice. 

• Transitioning into evaluation from another profession. 

Career stages are not defined by job titles or years alone. If you see yourself as an early career evaluator, the Network welcomes you.