Programme Evaluation of 'Progress', Building Better Opportunities for young people, Coventry & Warwickshire - Programme Evaluation

Groundwork UK is seeking a partner to undertake a mixed methods programme evaluation of Progress: Building Better Opportunities in Coventry and Warwickshire.

The award of this contract is subject to Groundwork UK receiving final notification of award of grant from The Big Lottery Fund on 25th August 2016.

Groundwork UK has been successful in the first stage of a Big Lottery Fund (BLF) and European Social Fund (ESF) co-financed programme called Building Better Opportunities (BBO) and has recently submitted a detailed second stage project plan to the BLF for final assessment.

Over 18 months Groundwork and its partners will deliver ‘Progress’ – a tailored programme of coaching support and bespoke activities to NEET and at risk of NEET young people aged between 15 and 24, enabling them to access training and employment opportunities. Progress brings together a unique partnership of local organisations – with support from local councils – to transform the prospects of some of the most marginalised young people in Coventry and Warwickshire. Our partnership will ensure that young people facing the most significant barriers to accessing learning and work are able to recognise their talents and realise their potential.

Key aims for the evaluation:

• Measure the progress of individuals during the programme
• Evidence the impact of the programme on young peoples’ outcomes
• Measure the performance of the programme against key performance indicators
• Identify the critical success factors and/or limitations of the delivery model and make recommendations for in-programme changes
• Understand how the programme has been implemented within the local context and any additional impact(s) at the community level
• Contribute to the evidence base on delivery practice and design of effective programmes

It is expected that the successful tenderer will:

• Work closely with the Groundwork UK Progress Central Management Team and the Progress Steering and Operational Groups
• Work closely with the programme’s Young Person’s Steering Group and our partner leading that activity
• Work flexibly and collaboratively with Groundwork UK and partners
• Attend key meetings and events throughout the programme to form relationships with partners and disseminate learning
• To regularly disseminate findings in relation to programme design in order to inform ongoing planning activities
• To attend regular contract review and catch-up meetings (in person and by telephone) with Groundwork UK

Further information is available in the full tender specification.