NEIRF Evaluation Execution CCN

Defra is designing a Natural Environment Investment Readiness Fund (hereafter referred to as the NEIRF); a grant programme to address market failures, develop capacity and support investment in natural environment projects which enable the outcomes contained in Government’s 25 Year Environment Plan (25 YEP) and the Green Finance Strategy.

Initially, this commission is for a policy evaluation across the first year of the NEIRF scheme but will continue for a further two years subject to annual review.

The role of evaluation is to assess evidence on the process, impact and value for money of NEIRF grant-funded projects. Through the evaluation we will want to know the extent to which NEIRF aims and objectives have been achieved, to recommend adjustments to ongoing and future projects, capture and disseminate policy learning and evidence on developing private sector investment to deliver environmental outcomes and make recommendations on, and arrangements for, long term achievement of scheme outcomes.

The change to the contract is to include the HIVE initiative and case studies that were not in existence or applicable at original formulation of the project.