Summative Assessment of a Suite of Business-Support Programmes
Date: December 2018/June 2020
Programme Value: £25m
Evaluation Value: £32,000
Following the completion of evaluations of the Worcestershire Business Central business-support suite of programmes in 2015, the Consultants were again successful with a competitive tender process to undertake the summative evaluation of a suite of eight ERDF and RDPE business-support programmes delivered by WCC under the Growth Hub umbrella, including the Be Cyber Secure project.
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.
Case Studies were provided for each programme and impact (NPV and GVA) was identified. Lessons learnt for WCC, designers of such interventions, and policy makers were identified.
The summative evaluations included:
A regional/national context review.
Critical review of structure, governance and delivery
Full and thorough assessment of impact (NPV and GVA) for each programme delivered under the WBC umbrella
Personal interviews with programme management, delivery staff and representatives of the District Councils and regional stakeholders (circa 50 interviews)
Telephone survey with beneficiaries of each individual programme to assess impact and distance travelled (circa 200 interviews)
Identification of lessons learnt for WCC, those designing such interventions, and policymakers
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 the latest versions of documents ESIF GN-1-033 and ESIF GN-1-1034. The Consultants reported on:
The relevance and consistency of the programmes.
The progress of the programmes against contractual targets.
The experience of delivering and managing the programmes.
The economic impact attributable to the individual programmes.
The cost-effectiveness of the programmes and their value for money.
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.
Evaluation Reference:
Name: Lynne Avery
Position: Business Growth Programme Manager, Economy and Infrastructure Directorate, Worcestershire County Council