2016-22 Rural Affairs Food and Environment Research Programme Evaluation

Tender description

Background & Context 4. The Rural Affairs, Food and Environment Research Strategy for 2016 – 2021 set out the vision and strategy for the Scottish Government agriculture and environment research investment from 2016 to 2021. 5. The investment was made on the basis that access to excellent science, and scientists with the skills to interpret scientific evidence from a range of sources, will help the Scottish Government fulfil its single purpose, and in doing so have a positive impact for Scotland as a whole. 6. The majority of the research was delivered through the Main Research Providers (MRPs). These are: The James Hutton Institute (incorporating Biomathematics and Statistics Scotland - BioSS); Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC); Moredun Research Institute; and The Rowett Institute. They are however not the only source from which expertise was drawn, research was also delivered by ARPs (Additional Research Providers – Higher Education Institutes, universities and other non MRPs). 7. The 2016-2022 research programme delivery model can be split into 4 key areas: 1. Strategic Research Programme 2. Underpinning Capacity 3. Centres of Expertise 4. Programme Extension Year 2022 (year 6) Scope /Statement of Requirement 15. The purpose/objectives of the evaluation are to: Gather and present the programme inputs, outputs, delivery and outcomes. Understand and quantify the impact to Scotland from the research undertaken – including , community benefit, net zero contribution, policy contribution and scientific benefit, where appropriate, use should be made of appropriate guidance from the Magenta Book The Magenta Book - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk). However we welcome other approaches to evaluation, so the methodology should be clearly set out and, theory behind it explained especially where it is significantly different from the Magenta Book standard. Understand and quantify what value Scotland, and the Scottish Government, gained from the research undertaken within the programme. This should include a robust estimate of the economic impact of the programme, again referring to Magenta Book methodology where and when appropriate. Provide appraisal on the programme delivery and performance of both the MRP and the Scottish Government. Including detail on the advantages and disadvantages to the delivery model. Including consideration to: Delivery Vehicles Procurement Arrangement Research Delivery Framework Provide a comparative assessment against the final research outputs and the vision and principles set out in the Rural Affairs, Food and Environment Research Strategy for 2016 – 2021 Evaluation Report of the publicly funded Rural Affairs, Food and Environment Research 16. Included within the scope of the 2016-2022 research programme evaluation is the 4 key areas below: 1. Strategic Research Programme 2. Underpinning Capacity 3. Centres of Expertise 4. Programme Extension Year 2022 (year 6) 17. The expected outputs from the evaluation include: Both quantitative and qualitative outputs Development of evaluation criteria/matrix Desktop assessment of the research programme outputs and documentation Desktop assessment report/dataset Stakeholder Interviews and/or Panel Final evaluation report detailing all findings, assessments, and conclusions and recommendations. All objectives above must be satisfied. It is expected report will go through iterations 18. The Service Provider is encouraged to suggest alternative outputs and approaches to the programme evaluation based on their expertise. 19. Project Management expectations from contract: Start-up meeting Project Plan including Gantt Chart for project delivery Fortnight progress meeting – including progress report