Evaluation
We offer services in all aspects of the programme management process, from initial research and feasibility, to project and programme development, to funding and implementation, through to monitoring and evaluation. This means we can provide the full range of expertise and support you need to deliver your projects and services.
What we do
Our evaluation services cover the full range of activities, from assessments of skills, employment and business projects, through to evaluations of large-scale multi-million pound economic development programmes. We employ a variety of approaches, from qualitative, consultation-based evaluations, through to more technical assessments of economic impact in line with the requirements of HM Treasury Green Book, the Magenta Book and the Impact Evaluation Framework. We are approved evaluation consultants with a number of economic development bodies, including One North East.
Our evaluation services include:
- Project-level evaluation
- Programme-level evaluation
- Evaluation at all stages of project delivery (pre-delivery, interim, final)
- Qualitative evaluation
- Economic impact assessments
- Cost-benefit analysis
- Value for money assessments
How can we help you?
Independent evaluations can help you take a step back and really understand whether your projects and services are making a difference and achieving a positive impact on your target audience. Our evaluators will provide valuable intelligence about what works well and why, and practical suggestions about how services could be developed and improved. Being able to evidence the impact and benefits of your project or programme can also help you secure further funding.
Here's just a small selection of the evaluation work we’ve undertaken:
Our Services
To find out more click on the links below:
Project: Evaluation of the Coaching for High Growth Programme
Client: Entrust
The North East Coaching for High Growth Programme supported the region's SMEs to achieve high growth by addressing complex market failures and barriers which prevent potential high growth businesses from developing and creating jobs to their optimum level. It did this by connecting SMEs with business experts who could provide one-to-one coaching support, and delivering workshops on topics such as investment readiness to help businesses achieve accelerated growth. New Skills evaluated the impact and effectiveness of the programme, including an assessment of business growth, job creation and Gross Value Added (GVA). The evaluation also explored lessons learned from delivery of this innovative support, whereby identifying ways to enhance impact and added value to inform future service development.
Project: Difference Engine Evaluation
Client: North East BIC
The Difference Engine was an innovative business accelerator programme for early stage digital companies in the North East. Companies received a small amount of seed funding, intensive mentoring and coaching support over a 13 week programme and the opportunity to pitch to investors for next stage finance. New Skills worked in collaboration with nmp to evaluate the Difference Engine and assess the project's effectiveness at supporting these early stage companies to get their business off the ground and to secure angel investment or venture capital. The evaluation involved in-depth interviews with the businesses supported by the programme, key players in the digital sector who provided mentoring support, as well as potential investors. We also undertook a full economic impact assessment of the project including a measurement of the return on public investment in terms of gross value added. The evaluation identified the project had achieved a good level of success. The results helped the Difference Engine CEO Jon Bradford to develop the ignite 100 programme which launched in July 2011. Ignite100 is backed by IP Group and Northstar Ventures and will support 10 high-potential start-ups through a similar 13 week programme.
For more information about ignite100, please visit the programme website.
Project: Interim Evaluation of Stockton Communities Fund Programme
Client: Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council
The Stockton Communities Fund programme, supported through Working Neighbourhoods Fund (WNF) and ERDF aims to reduce levels of worklessness and increase levels of enterprise in Stockton's most deprived communities. New Skills Consulting was appointed to undertake a longitudinal evaluation of the Programme, from April 2009 to March 2012. The interim evaluation involved large scale consultations including telephone interviews and focus groups with around 400 individuals, businesses, employers and stakeholders. It explored the impact that the Communities Fund is having upon levels of worklessness and enterprise in the borough; assessed the effectiveness of the various activities; and identified key lessons to improve Programme delivery in future. The recommendations have been adopted by Stockton Council and its partners which will further improve service delivery.