Consultancy

The Reconnections Project is a freelance consultancy firm run by me, Dr. Trent Grassian, specialising in providing strategic support with learning, adaptation, and evaluation. With nearly 20 years of experience in the public and non-profit sectors, I am able to offer a range of specialisms based on my extensive training and experience.

Research

As an accomplished and extensively-published researcher, I offer a wide range of research consultancy, including project design, delivery, analysis, and reporting. I have extensive training and experience with quantitative and qualitative methodologies, with a particular interest in participatory, co-produced approaches to research.

Facilitation and Training

Building off my background as a teacher, I have years of training and experience with running workshops, facilitating discussions, and providing trainings on a range of topics.

Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning

I offer a range of tailored MEL services, focused on using creative approaches to understand your impact, establish easy-to-use systems for future monitoring, and identifying key learning opportunities for development and growth.

Strategic Development

I offer a range of tailored services to support organisations in reconnecting with their mission and think strategically about the future. I specialise in using my understanding of impact to help organisations think strategically about how to ensure their values and mission align with the work they are doing and the impact they are actually having.

Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL)

I have attained the highest level of rigorous, academic training, completing a research-based PhD looking specifically into how to evaluate campaign effectiveness. Since then I have overseen and collaborated on dozens of small and large-scale evaluation projects, including leading on strategic MEL planning, conducting evaluations using a wide range of quantitative and qualitative methodologies, and using learning to support strategic growth. I offer a free 1-hour consultation to discuss your organisation's needs and background to ensure I can offer tailored approaches that will fit within your budget and goals. Services I offer include:

• Designing short- and long-term MEL plans.

• Designing, conducting, and reporting on impact evaluations using mixed/quant/qual methods.

• Working together to identify key learning opportunities and plan for your future.

• Identifying and reporting on recommendations for external partners -- policy makers, funders, and others.

Research

In addition to holding a research-based PhD looking specifically into how to evaluate campaign effectiveness, I have overseen and collaborated on dozens of key research projects for non-profits, the public sector, and government. I am extensively trained in a wide range of quantitative and qualitative methodologies and specialise in identifying creative approaches to tailor evidence-based research practices to your specific needs. I offer a free 1-hour consultation to discuss your organisation's needs and background to ensure I can offer tailored approaches that will fit within your budget and goals. Services I offer include:

• Identifying gaps in knowledge and where new research will be most impactful.

• Peer reviewing research planning, analysis, and reporting.

• Designing research projects, including budgeting and timelines.

• Carrying out research from conception to reporting.

• Working with comms and policy teams to produce additional resources, including infographics, policy briefings, webinars, blogs, vlogs, and more.

Facilitation and Training

Building on my background as a teacher, I have years of training and experience in conducting engaging workshops, trainings, and presentations. I have delivered a wide range of sessions to academic, public, governmental, and non-profit audiences on a variety of topics, including:

• Developing and updating Theories of Change

• Creating a monitoring, evaluation, and learning strategy

• Designing a succinct, effective survey that measures what you want it to

• Holding interviews and/or focus groups

• Research design, including qualitative, quantitative, mixed-methods, and participatory approaches

• Building cross-sector coalitions to identify and achieve common aims

• Behaviour change theories and how to apply them to your organisation / campaign

• Barriers, motivators, and opportunities for promoting sustainable dietary change

Strategic Development

Organisational and campaign strategy needs to start with the world we want to achieve and work backwards to understand what we need to do to create that world. I have years of experience in supporting organisations with strategic development, ensuring their visions match their initiatives and outputs and that they can then measure and report on that impact. I can hold tailored workshops and training sessions to help you think strategically about the work you are doing and identify ways to increase (and measure) your impact. This includes:

• Developing and updating Theories of Change

• Reflecting on the impact you want to be having and the impact you are having

• Full-organisation evaluation to assess what is going right and where there are opportunities for growth and development

• Creating a five/ten-year plan to put your organisation out of business

• Identifying common aims across multiple sectors and working to develop strategic coalitions