Programme evaluation and development
Effective programmes need to be based on detailed assessment of local issues, evidence of 'what works', and understanding how existing work can be strengthened or expanded.
Helped the Partnership move a long way forward, and highlighted by EEDA as a good example of measuring need. Key partners on the ground have found the research extremely informative Kate McFarlane, Senior Executive, East of England Development Agency- In the East of England, we have worked on the 'Investing in Communities' programme with both regional and local teams. Our work with the East of England Development Agency developed a funding framework for the programme, based on analysis of National Indicators and other local datasets. And our work with seven of the nine local LAA partnerships across the region is feeding into their delivery planning for the IiC programme, based on quantitative analysis of local needs.
- Our work on the Reducing Inequality Review for Brighton & Hove Council and the 2020 Community Partnership (LSP) identified recommendations for approaches and strategies for reducing inequality in the city, which fed directly into the preparation of the new Local Area Agreement. The project combined in-depth analysis of dimensions of inequality in the city (across neighbourhoods, groups and communities of interest), together with workshop and interview sessions with over 100 local stakeholders. The project was identified by the Council as an example of best practice in how cities can develop a sense of their local identity and the opportunities available.
- In Rotherham, OCSI's detailed analysis of trends over time helped the Rotherham Partnership tailor the Local Neighbourhood Renewal Strategy to the needs of local communities. Evaluation showed that geographical targeting alone could not tackle multiple deprivation in Rotherham. Four groups were identified for additional support - minority ethnic communities & asylum seekers, disabled people & their carers, vulnerable older people and deprived children & young people.
Please contact us to see how OCSI can help you with programme development and evaluation.