Evaluation

We have a track record in providing different types of evaluation support at a national, regional and local level. We help a range of organisations understand not just whether something works, but what works, for whom, in what circumstances and how.

We seek out evidence and share complex insights in accessible outputs that can be utilised and actioned by a range of audiences.

Our approach as an evaluation partner emphasises the importance of understanding local contexts, needs and priorities while keeping a focus on the ‘big picture’. This is informed by Realist Evaluation and Theory of Change approaches, as well as place-based methodologies, for evaluating transformational change programmes that seek to address complex social issues.

Our evaluation work is values-based and driven by partnership. This means our work is based on principles and practices associated with inclusion and coproduction, demonstrated by an emphasis on stakeholder engagement, accessibility and working with communities in the evaluation design and implementation. We recognise the importance of sustaining evaluation beyond a contract period, and work alongside partners to embed evidence and learning in their programme delivery to ensure ownership and sustainability. We are focused on producing action-oriented, practical and timely evaluation support to partners to demonstrate their impact on peoples’ lives and develop evidence-based approaches.

We conduct short, medium and long-term evidence and learning projects for government departments, grant giving bodies, local authorities, NHS, third sector organisations and strategic partnerships. We offer a range of evaluation services and support at all stages, tailored to individual needs and circumstances. This includes:

• evaluation design, consultancy and expertise
• enabling and supporting self-evaluation or peer-evaluation, for example through co-producing Visions of Change/Theories of Change) and developing evaluation frameworks
• building and embedding a partner’s in-house evidence and learning capacity.
  independent monitoring and evaluation of programmes, initiatives and policies from short-term project specific evaluations to multi-year, multi-site evaluations
• mixed methods data collection and analysis
• learning and dissemination activities

The following examples of our evaluation work illustrate the complexity of the issues and systems and the diversity of partners that we work with.