Summative Assessment of a Suite Of Eight Business-Support Programmes

The Innovation Partnership Ltd was successful with a competitive tender to undertake the summative evaluation of a suite of eight ERDF and RDPE business-support programmes delivered by WCC under the Growth Hub umbrella, encompassing Proof of Concept support through to high-growth business support programmes, such as Enterprising Worcestershire and Investing in Growth, “maintaining coherence and timely intervention” to facilitate successful business growth.

The suite of programmes covered business growth strategy, new product development, cyber security, inward investment and low-carbon technologies. A robust assessment of progress towards objectives was undertaken; a review of rationale and strategic fit; a quantitative impact evaluation of performance and a review of project delivery and administration for each programme. The research involved a desk review of strategic context, documentation and performance. A consultation programme was undertaken with key stakeholders.

The summative evaluations included:A regional/national context review.

1. Critical review of structure, governance and delivery.

2. Full and thorough assessment of impact (NPV and GVA) for each programme delivered under the WBC umbrella.

3. Personal interviews with programme management, delivery staff and representatives of the District Councils and regional stakeholders (circa 50 interviews).

4. Telephone survey with beneficiaries of each individual programme to assess impact and distance travelled (circa 200 interviews).

5. Case Studies were provided for each programme.

6. Identification of lessons learnt for WCC, those designing such interventions, and policymakers.

7. Recommendations on future programme delivery.

Evaluation Methodology Employed:

Led by Mike McManamon and Karl Dalgleish, the Consultants adhered to all relevant MHCLG evaluation and reporting requirements in relation to summative assessment and all ERDF evaluation guidance provided in ESIF GN-1-033 and ESIF GN-1-1034. The Consultants reported on:

1. The relevance and consistency of the programmes.

2. The progress of the programmes against contractual targets.

3. The experience of delivering and managing the programmes.

4. The economic impact attributable to the individual programmes.

5. The cost-effectiveness of the programmes and their value for money.

6. Case studies were provided for all projects and a summative assessment summary for each was produced to aid National Evaluator work.

Added Value Delivered by the Consultants:

The Consultants were able to draw on previous successful evaluations of the suite of programmes delivered under Worcestershire Business Central to clearly identify distance travelled, impact on beneficiary organisations and best practice in programme delivery.