The GCBC was established by Defra in 2021 to fund innovative, transdisciplinary research that addresses the interlinked challenges of livelihoods, biodiversity loss and climate change. By supporting partnerships between UK and international institutions, GCBC aims to generate high-quality science, strengthen local research capacity, and create evidence that can shape policy and practice for climate resilience and biodiversity conservation.
To understand how well the programme is achieving these ambitions, Defra commissioned Itad to conduct an independent three-year evaluation. The evaluation assesses how the programme has been designed and implemented, what progress has been made toward intended outcomes, and how learning is being used across the portfolio. By identifying best practice and capturing lessons, the evaluation provides insights to improve GCBC’s effectiveness and impact.
Beyond the programme itself, this evaluation also has a wider purpose: generating evidence to inform the design and delivery of future UK Official Development Assistance (ODA) research and innovation programmes. In doing so, it contributes to ensuring that UK-supported research delivers maximum value for money and real-world benefits for people and nature.
Our role
As the independent evaluation team, we provide Defra with evidence, analysis, and learning support to maximise the value of the GCBC. Our work centres on designing and implementing a programme-level evaluation that complements routine monitoring and learning led by the Fund Management Team.
We are delivering a tailored package of evaluation services, including an evaluability assessment, a process evaluation, case studies and outcome analysis. This involves working closely with Defra, the Fund Management Team and grantees to generate insights that are both rigorous and usable. Alongside formal reports, we produce targeted learning products such as briefs, dashboards, and synthesis notes to inform programme decisions and governance.
A key part of our role is to create spaces for reflection and dialogue, ensuring that evidence from grantees and partners is translated into practical lessons. By combining independent analysis with facilitation of learning processes, we aim to strengthen programme delivery, support adaptive management, and help GCBC demonstrate its contributions credibly to decision-makers and stakeholders.
Our methods and approaches
Mixed methods evidence gathering: combining quantitative data (e.g. programme outputs and indicators) with qualitative insights (e.g. interviews, case studies, outcome stories) to build a rounded picture of GCBC’s performance and contributions.
Process evaluation: assessing how GCBC is being managed and delivered, and identifying enablers and barriers to commissioning research and effective implementation.
Theory-based evaluation: assessing GCBC by looking at how the programme is expected to achieve change, and then testing those assumptions against evidence.
Outcome harvesting and portfolio analysis: looking across projects to understand patterns, collective impact, and how research contributes to biodiversity and climate outcomes.
Targeted learning products: producing clear, decision-oriented outputs such as briefs, dashboards, and synthesis notes tailored to the needs of programme managers and policymakers.
Outcomes and impact
The evaluation will generate evidence on how the GCBC is being delivered and what difference it is making. In the short term, the focus is on providing insights that help Defra and the Fund Management Team strengthen programme governance and management; improve commissioning, stakeholder engagement, and MEL processes; and ultimately better support grantees to maximise the impact of their work.
Over time, the evaluation will provide a fuller picture of GCBC’s collective outcomes, from building strong international research partnerships to shaping policy and practice on biodiversity and climate resilience. By synthesising lessons across the portfolio, the evaluation will highlight what works, where challenges arise, and how research can best support adaptation and conservation goals.
Beyond GCBC, the evaluation is expected to generate learning to inform the design of future UK ODA research and innovation programmes, ensuring they deliver greater value for money and more tangible benefits for people and nature.
