Fisheries and Seafood Scheme (FaSS) Evaluation Framework

Tender description

Research into developing an evaluation framework is being commissioned as an integral part of the FaSS. It is intended to support evidence gathering to demonstrate good value for money, public value for public goods, and the impact of spend. There is a very strong government drive for evaluations to provide spending accountability; as detailed in the Magenta Book, evidence should be generated that can demonstrate an intervention's impact and wider outcomes. With HM Treasury and Cabinet Office guidance increasingly looking to justify spend, evidence of effectiveness is paramount for Spending Review and in response to scrutiny and challenge from public accountability bodies. The evaluation framework should also provide learning opportunities to shape the delivery of the scheme as it evolves and generate wider knowledge of administering funds through the new scheme. Therefore, it is crucial to establish an evaluation framework and strategy ahead of the launch of the FaSS. This invitation to tender is for research to develop an effective monitoring and evaluation framework and strategy, in order to review the process and impact of the FaSS following scheme launch. The aims of the evaluation framework are to support: 1. Identification and measurement of the impact of the FaSS: capturing both benefits to direct recipients and wider benefits. 2. Identification of positive outcomes of FaSS delivery as the programme proceeds to inform recommendations on how these could be magnified. 3. Identification of negative outcomes of FaSS delivery as the programme proceeds to inform recommendations on how these could be minimised. 4. Collection of process learning on how the FaSS is implemented and generation of recommendations on how to: a. improve processes for managing the FaSS as the programme proceeds b. increase the efficiency and effectiveness of the delivery of future applications to the FaSS. 5. Transparency and accessibility of the FaSS with Defra's partners, stakeholders and delivery bodies through ensuring reporting on delivery and sharing of programme learning with partners. 6. Provision of recommendations on intervention reform to steer the schemes alignment towards longer term sectoral ambitions.