Evaluation of Lend & Mend Hubs

Tender description

The project ‘Lend & Mend’ is funding the set up and development of 9 hubs across Scotland’s public libraries which will support the drive to a more sustainable and circular way of living through 3 main project focuses: The creation of 9 textile mending spaces to provide free community access to a fully equipped public resource which supports repair, reuse and recycling of garments and other household textiles. An accompanying lending collection at each location, built through community consultation and developed in line with 5 broad themes (Textiles, Tools, Toys, Gardening, Kitchen equipment). This strand supports sharing of seldom used household items to reduce community consumption and waste. An education programme including free to access classes to help communities gain the skills required to make best use of the mending spaces, and accompanying public information section to provide trusted and accurate information on sustainability and circular consumption. SLIC is looking to appoint an independent evaluator to work with the organisation at a number of intervals over a 6-month period to review the implementation, work with key stakeholders and make independent recommendations regarding future scaling and development of the network. This will not be a continuous block but will require the supplier to explore 3 main phases at staggered intervals in the project before presenting all findings in one final report. Further details of the timescale and key objectives of the evaluation are contained within this document. The key aims of the evaluation are: Collect and analysis the experiences of library staff and key stakeholders in the development and implementation of the 9 lend and mend spaces. Explore the contribution the spaces and education programme are making to local communities through public user engagement. Engage with key stakeholders to evaluate their experiences of working with SLIC. Explore models for a sustainable future for the lend and mend spaces including considerations for how to ensure existing spaces remain viable and how expansion of the network may be realised. Demonstrate the impact the spaces are having on understanding of the circular economy and changing attitudes to consuming more sustainably. Specifically, the evaluation should focus on: The qualitative feedback of 9 project partner organisations who are hosts for lend and mend hubs. The qualitative feedback of partner organisations involved in development of the spaces and delivery of the education element of the project. The user experience of the public using the hubs. The understanding of the hub users in relation to the circular economy The benefits delivered to local communities including but not limited to improved skills, improved access to resources, support to live more sustainability, impact on cost of living. The sustainability of the hubs in terms of their continued success once formal funding has ended. Recommendations led by staff, stakeholders, and users on future requirements of existing spaces and potential expansion of the network including appetite.