Research services

Tender description

This contract is for an evaluation of the Knowledge Transfer Innovation and Advisory Services delivered through Farming Connect. The Farming Connect programme supports the development of a more professional, profitable and resilient land-based sector. This evaluation aims to provide robust data on the progress being made by the scheme in a number of key areas including: — the design and implementation of Farming Connect, — the internal alignment of the scheme and its alignment with other policies and programs, — the quality of communication activities, — the scheme’s effectiveness and efficiency, — the progress being made towards targets and objectives, — an ongoing assessment of outcomes for participants. The evaluation will be ongoing until October 2019 and combine qualitative data collection with analysis of existing quantitative data. Surveys of participants are being procured separately and will not form part of this contract. This procurement contract is for an evaluation of the Knowledge Transfer Innovation and Advisory Services delivered through Farming Connect. The Farming Connect programme supports the development of a more professional, profitable and resilient land-based sector. It comprises an integrated programme of knowledge transfer, innovation and advisory services designed to deliver greater sustainability, improved competitiveness, and improved environmental performance. Farming Connect forms part of the Welsh Government Rural Communities - Rural Development Program 2014-2020, funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development. Further information on the scheme can be found at: — https://businesswales.gov.wales/farmingconnect. This evaluation aims to provide robust data on the progress being made by the scheme in a number of key areas including: — the design and implementation of Farming Connect, — the internal alignment of the scheme and its alignment with other policies and programs, — the quality of communication activities, — the scheme’s effectiveness and efficiency, — the progress being made towards targets and objectives, — an ongoing assessment of outcomes for participants. The evaluation will be ongoing until October 2019 and will require two reports (one at the mid-point and a final report). Methodologically the evaluation will combine qualitative data collection from groups including scheme participants, staff and other stakeholders and analysis of existing quantitative data. Surveys of participants are being procured separately and will not form part of this contract.