Comprising around 50 experts from outside government (mostly academia) and the Civil Service, the Panel provides free advice to policy teams and analysts considering the design of an impact evaluation, from helping with power calculations to advising on appropriate quasi-experimental approaches. TAP also provides training to civil servants on the benefits and technicalities of impact evaluations.

Dr Miller, who is the director of Campbell UK & Ireland; a fellow of the Centre for Evidence and Social Innovation; and a senior lecturer in the School of Social Sciences, Education and Social Work at Queen’s University Belfast, joins the Panel as part of a refresh of the membership. The appointment is for two years, commencing 20 February 2020. 

Speaking about the appointment, Dr Miller said: “I am delighted to take up this position and be given the opportunity to help inform the quality and rigour of research undertaken by the government. Generating and using high quality evidence is essential to implementing processes and programmes that are effective and impactful.”

Since its launch in 2015 the Panel has advised on 72 projects across 24 departments and public bodies, spanning a range of policy areas including energy, adult social care, housing, and family services. 

For more information and examples of TAP's work, read the three year update report and check out this blog post from one of the existing academic members.

Get in touch if you have questions or would like to know more: trialadvicepanel@cabinetoffice.gov.uk

Dr Sarah Miller

Media

Media inquiries to Zara McBrearty at Queen's Communications Office on Tel: (028) 9097 3259 or email z.mcbrearty@qub.ac.uk