Addressing under-representation
An overview
CFE delivers high-impact research and evaluation that supports organisations to tackle inequalities and improve participation for disadvantaged people. Our work spans schools, further and higher education. It explores the influences on young people’s education and career decisions and assesses the effectiveness and impact of programmes to increase knowledge, skills and confidence. It challenges perceptions of different pathways and sectors such as STEM and the creative industries. This work builds a rich evidence base on the drivers of inequality and effective ways to remove barriers for under-represented groups. This is through high quality careers information, advice and guidance and work experience for young people, and professional development and resources for the education workforce and careers professionals.
Examples of our work
Evaluation of Uni Connect – addressing inequalities in higher education
The challenge
The Office for Students (OfS) launched Uni Connect to reduce long-standing inequalities in access and progression to higher education and raise attainment. Through 29 university-led partnerships, the programme delivers sustained outreach and attainment raising activities to secondary school students, targeting those areas of low HE participation.
Our role
CFE led the national impact evaluation of Uni Connect, tracking changes in learners’ knowledge, skills, attitudes and intentions towards HE between 2019 and 2022. Using large-scale surveys linked to national administrative dataset and analysis of Uni Connect partnerships local evaluation evidence, we assessed the influence of Uni Connect activities while accounting for the disruption caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Impact
Our findings demonstrate how Uni Connect improves knowledge of HE, builds motivation and confidence, and strengthens intentions to progress to university. The evidence provides OfS and higher education providers with a robust understanding of ‘what works’ in outreach and informs future access and participation strategies.
Evaluation of the Creative Careers Programme
The challenge
The UK’s creative industries are a major driver of economic growth, yet experience persistent skills gaps, recruitment challenges, and a lack of diversity. Young people often have limited understanding of creative career opportunities, while employers can underestimate the value of engaging with schools and educators. The Creative Careers Programme (CCP) – funded by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport – was created to broaden awareness of creative pathways and attract more diverse talent into the sector.
Our role
CFE’s national evaluation of the CCP explored the set-up, implementation and early impacts of the programme on young people, teachers, careers professionals and employers. The evaluation drew on management information collected by the programme team along with insight from surveys and qualitative research with key participants and wider stakeholders. We measured changes in young people’s knowledge and awareness of career opportunities in the creative industries, teachers’ and careers professionals’ confidence to help young people with their decision-making, and captured the value of employer contributions.
Impact
The evaluation provided DCMS and the programme team at ScreenSkills with robust evidence on how CCP influences career aspirations, supports workforce diversity, and secures lasting employer commitment – helping the creative industries to realise its growth potential.
Other sectors we work in
We work across diverse fields, tailoring our research expertise to deliver clear, trusted insights. Our adaptable approach means we apply rigorous research across varied contexts, always focused on learning, clarity, and positive change.
School workforce
Our research explores the challenges and solutions around recruiting and retaining teachers. We provide insights into workforce dynamics, teacher development, and the effectiveness of strategies designed to support the profession.
System change
We work with clients to understand how programmes can create lasting change across complex systems. By exploring the connections between local context, the actions taken, and the results achieved, we identify the factors that drive progress and the barriers that hold it back. This insight helps organisations focus resources, strengthen networks, and design approaches that have the best chance of delivering meaningful, long-term change.
Let’s work together
Whether you need a long-term evaluation partner or a rapid evidence review, we’re here to help. Get in touch to explore how we can support your goals.
