Independent external evaluator

Tender description

This project, funded by The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) will primarily aim to develop and deliver a new ‘Heritage Strategy’ for Luton. The new strategy will encompass the built, cultural, natural, industrial and intangible heritage assets of the town, representing its diverse communities, and setting out a plan to support the Council’s long term ambitions (Identified in the Luton 2040 strategy document). Consequent successful delivery of the strategy will depend on community engagement, the development of The Heritage Forum, establishment of a Heritage Fund, and successful delivery of 4 x Heritage open day events (September 2021 – to coincide with the launch of the new Heritage Strategy). Project Outcomes The project has been funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) for a 12-month pilot period (September 2020-September 2021) to deliver on two HLF outcomes: 1. A wider range of people will be involved in heritage. The Heritage Strategy should be designed and delivered in a way that is inclusive and looks to widen participation in heritage among different parts of the community. This may include targeted projects and activities designed to increase involvement among younger people and ethnic minority groups as well as inclusive events and consultation work. 2. Heritage will be identified and better explained. The Heritage Enabler should play a strategic role to develop the work of the Heritage Forum and partners in the heritage space to identify a wider range of heritage assets within Luton and make these accessible to the public. This may include projects and activities such as the recording of heritage stories and memories, a local blue plaque scheme and events to open up heritage assets to the community. We will also be collecting and measuring against additional chosen criteria: • People will have developed skills (HLF) • People will have learned about heritage leading to a change in ideas and actions (HLF) • Enabling young people to have a voice that is heard… • Increased capacity in the community sector through formal & informal organisation Scope An independent external evaluator is needed to: • Evaluate the project against set outcome criteria & targets – see below o An excel spreadsheet framework will be supplied for the evaluators to populate • Ensure the consultation process is demographically reflective & inclusive o baseline demographic data will be supplied; the evaluator will need to monitor/audit the consultation process and attend at least three consultation development workshops • Ensure the resultant strategy both incorporates emergent themes, and supports the Council’s relevant strategic aims and targets o a framework of these will be provided Fee The consultation fee for independent project evaluation is £5000 in total (including VAT if applicable), which roughly equates to 1 x half day per week over a 10-month period (Jan-Oct 2021). This is for guidance purposes and does not mean the work will be carried out 1 x half day per week because the workload will be frontloaded (heavy in January/ February); and busy again eight months later (heavy again in mid August to Mid September) with only brief reporting & consultation in between. Fee Payment: • 5 monthly payments of £500 (end January to end May); one off payment £500 end August £1000 end September; £1000 end October Delivery Method Statement What we need (specific Evaluation requirements) • Collation of baseline data o we will provide this data • Advice around process of digital data collection o for online consultation workshops and live events monitoring • Reporting: weekly email updates; 3 x Quarterly update briefs; and 1 x final evaluation reports using the HLF logic model o (https://www.heritagefund.org.uk/publications/evaluation-guidance) • Consultation feedback: comments on draft strategy (July/ August 2021) – no more than 3 drafts. • Development of an appropriate methodology for collecting qualitative information at three points in the project: asking audience/ participants questions that will provide robust evidence for strategic outcomes, for example “more young people will feel they have a voice that is heard” o The three collection points are at the beginning of consultation workshops, at the end of consultation workshops and at point of deliver of the strategy. o We will undertake the actual data collection • Development of an appropriate methodology for collecting qualitative and quantitative information on project open day events. o We will undertake the actual data collection Project Outcomes – what we expect Timeline and Expectations: • January/ February – collation of baseline data; attendance at 1 hour online workshops (minimum 3); advice on qualitative methodology. • Mid February to Mid August– Update reporting & consultation advice only • Mid August to End September – Monitoring data throughout month of 4 x Saturday events • October – Final Reporting and full Evaluation Report incl. HLF logic Model Procurement Evaluation Criteria (bid weighting) High Level Criteria Sub Criteria Points % Price 33 Quality Experience - examples of previous HLF evaluation using logic model 33 Outlined of planned approach (incl. methodologies, timetable, resources & capacity) 33 Procurement Timeline • Application deadline: TBC • Decision: TBC • Delivery Start Date: mid-December • Delivery End Date: 31-10-2021 Keywords: evaluator, arts, heritage