Measuring outcomes and impact
CRESR has substantial expertise in the evaluation of projects and programmes, including assessments of the impact, and economic and social value of outcomes from interventions. We undertake evaluations of complex programmes: for instance, the evaluation of New Deal for Communities, the largest and most comprehensive evaluation of an area-based programme ever commissioned; and the evaluation of Futurebuilders - the first evaluation of a UK government programme to use Social Return on Investment methodology. We also work extensively with agencies in the public and voluntary and community sectors, using a range of methods to identify the impact and value of their work. We take a pragmatic approach to evaluation: not subscribing to a particular tool or approach, but working closely with clients to understand their needs, and using appropriate methodologies to produce robust assessments which can be used to inform service delivery and investment decisions.
Our expertise includes:
- development of bespoke evaluation frameworks including tools for self-evaluation
- measuring and valuing outputs and outcomes
- establishing impact and additionality
- calculating Social Return on Investment
- cost-benefit analysis.
Talent Match Evaluation and Learning Contract
Project Director: Professor Peter Wells
Project Duration: 2013-2019
Talent Match is a Big Lottery Funding initiative of up to £100 million. It is investing resources in a number of areas in England where youth unemployment is a significant issue. BIG will invest for a period of up to five years to improve the lives of people aged 18-24 who have been out of education, employment or training for 12 months or more. The aims of the evaluation and learning contract are: to track the success of the programme and projects within it; to identify what works well, for whom and in what circumstances; and to share learning and improve practice.
Making it Work Evaluation
Project Director: Sarah Pearson
Project Duration: 2013-2017
Making it Work is part of the 21st Century Life investment area of Investing in Communities, though which Big Lottery Scotland invests in projects that bring improvements to communities and the lives of people most in need. The programme will offer investment of up to £1.25 million each to a partnership in 4 local authority areas: Edinburgh, North Lanarkshire, South Lanarkshire and Fife. Up to £2m investment is available to a partnership in Glasgow. Making it Work aims to join up services to tackle the barriers faced by lone parents returning to work, and to create more sustainable local partnerships to support lone parents in the future. The programme is targeting lone parents experiencing the greatest barriers, including those with disabilities, or caring for someone with disabilities; with a large family (3 or more); living in an area with a depressed labour market; living in chaotic circumstances; with little work experience or who have been out of work for two or more years.
Oldham Warm Homes Service evaluation
Project Director: Dr Will Eadson
Project Duration: 2013-2015
An evaluation of a ‘whole household’ approach to fuel poverty. This includes impact analysis of a range of different interventions, and will involve valuation of outcomes with respect to its impact on health and wellbeing.
An SROI Evaluation of Sheffield Family Learning Generation Link Project
Project Director: Chris Dayson
Project Duration: 2012-2014
We are supporting Sheffield Family Learning to implement an SROI evaluation of their Big Lottery funded Generation Link Project.
Evaluation of the Rotherham Social Prescribing Pilot
Project Director: Chris Dayson
Project Duration: 2013-2014
Evaluation of the social and economic costs and benefits of Voluntary Action Rotherham’s Social Prescribing Pilot being delivered on behalf NHS Rotherham CCG.
Staff undertaking research include
Nadia Bashir Elaine Batty Professor Del Roy Fletcher Dr Sadie Parr Ryan Powell Dr Kesia Reeve
Get in touch
For further information please contact Professor Peter Wells at p.wells@shu.ac.uk or call 0114 225 6262, or Sarah Pearson at s.pearson@shu.ac.uk or call 0114 225 4902.
Key clients
Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action
Oldham Council