The Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) is looking to appoint a group of educators and leaders from across the early years sector – including childminders, private and voluntary providers, and school-based settings. Evidence Advocates will be drawn from a range of geographical areas and professional backgrounds, with the aim of reflecting the diversity of the sector.

Each Evidence Advocate will play a vital role in connecting research to day-to-day practice, championing the use of evidence to improve outcomes for young children, particularly those from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds. The EEF is looking for individuals currently working in or closely connected to early years settings, as they are uniquely placed to model and support evidence-informed approaches.

Drawing on learning from the EEF’s Research School Network, the role of Evidence Advocate will include: 

• Supporting the design and delivery of tailored, evidence-based training and professional development.
• Helping to exemplify and implement high-quality resources grounded in research.
• Assisting with the quality assurance of materials created by EEF and its partners.
• Advocating for evidence use across the sector and creating opportunities to enhance practice among early years educators.
• Gathering insights from practitioners to inform EEF’s ongoing work and priorities.

Advocates will receive a package of support including induction into EEF’s evidence standards, training on early years research, access to the latest evidence, and membership of a supportive peer community.

Advocates’ existing settings and organisations will benefit from the enhanced professional development expertise on their team, along with the opportunity to grow their profile, credibility and influence in the sector.