Brief for an Evaluation Consultant

Devon and Exeter Institution, The Next Chapter Project

Introduction

Devon and Exeter Institution seeks to appoint a consultant to coordinate the evaluation of  the activity plan, capital works and interpretation aspects of The Next Chapter project, funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, which has recently begun its Delivery Phase.

Project Vision

To remove barriers for potential members and visitors by creating better access in all its forms – intellectual, cultural, and physical.

The delivery phase runs from January 2022 until the projected conclusion of the project in August 2024.

Background to the Project

The Devon and Exeter Institution is an independent library and educational charity in the heart of Exeter.  The Institution was established in 1813

‘…for promoting the general diffusion of Science, Literature and the Arts, and for Illustrating the Natural and Civil History of the County of Devon and the History of the City of Exeter.’ 

We became an educational charity in 1989 and a Charitable Incorporated Organisation in 2017.

The Next Chapter Project

This project builds upon the legacy of transformational change at the Institution in recent years and will ensure that a wider range of people are able to benefit from our collection, programme and Grade II* listed building.

The capital elements of the project address the pressing need to reconsider the way we use space in the building. We are upgrading service areas and maximising the resources of the site, making best use of underused spaces.

Outcomes

Please see the evaluation brief for further details, here: The Next Chapter Evaluation Brief – Final

Scope of the work and expected outputs

The role of the consultant will be to coordinate the evaluation of  the activity plan, capital works and interpretation aspects of The Next Chapter project.

The consultant will:

  • Create an evaluation framework which identifies benchmark data and outcomes, outlined in the table above, that are expected with delivery of each activity
  • Carry out evaluation on site which includes interviewing participants and observing sessions
  • Compile and analyse evaluation cards and questionnaires
  • Draft a full Evaluation Report in collaboration with the Director, to be completed within three months of the project ending) keeping to NLHF guidelines.

Management of the commission

The commission will be managed by the Director, who will act as Project Manager for the Next Chapter project.

We expect a commissioning meeting and regular communication throughout the project.

Requirements of the submission

Your 1000-word proposal should include your approach and methodology for the project, plus evidence of your track record.

Skills required

The consultant should have experience and expertise in:

  • Evaluation of NLHF projects within heritage organisations
  • Analysis of data, outputs and outcomes
  • Writing evaluation framework documents to HLF guidelines
  • Writing up concluding report

We are looking for a consultant with excellent communication skills, and the ability to engage with people with a wide range of backgrounds and skills.

Date of submission and timescale

The closing date for submissions is 31st May 2022

The submission should be emailed to Emma Dunn, Director of Devon and Exeter Institution at: [email protected]

The interview date is planned for 15th June 2022

Fee

The fixed fee for the Evaluation Plan is £6,000 inc VAT and all expenses, over 2 years.