Kick the Dust Future Proof Parks: Invitation to Tender - Programme Evaluation

Groundwork UK is seeking a partner to undertake a mixed-method programme evaluation with a strong emphasis on face-to-face engagement with projects and participants of Future Proof Parks, delivered by Groundwork with funds from the Heritage Lottery Fund's (HLF) Kick the Dust programme.

Kick the Dust is a new, national strategic pilot programme that aims to transform how heritage organisations engage young people. As such, HLF are keen to learn more about what the project achieves, both individually and as a cohort.

Groundwork UK, with partners the National Youth Agency (NYA) and Fields in Trusts will deliver Future Proof Parks - one of a portfolio of projects supported through Kick the Dust. Historic parks and heritage landscapes are threatened by funding cuts and because the groups that care for them are getting older. Young people will suffer most from a decline in the quality and accessibility of green space. Future Proof Parks will address this by harnessing the energies and talents of young people and, through advice and training, encouraging them to support local heritage groups. This will support their own personal development and help them become role models to engage their peers in volunteering. Future Proof Parks will support 180 young people to become regular volunteers, contributing to the work of 60 friends' groups across five locations. We'll test new approaches to helping communities safeguard and enjoy their green heritage assets long into the future. We'll disseminate what we learn to other friends' groups and youth organisations to promote wider change.

Groundwork UK's key aims for the evaluation are to:

• Evidence the impact of the programme on: o Heritage o People o Communities • Identify the critical success factors and/or limitations of the delivery model and make recommendations to inform in-programme changes and future delivery • Understand how the programme has been implemented within the local context and any additional impact(s) at the community level • Contribute to the evidence base on delivery practice and design of effective programmes • To test and develop the Theory of Change

Key Outputs

• Regular Learning and update reports • An Interim Report midway through delivery • A minimum of 6 Case Studies per delivery location suitable for external use, including quotes and photographs demonstrating the impact of the programme • A revised Theory of Change reflecting learning • A Summary Report suitable for wider dissemination • A full Final Evaluation Report covering all key areas

Further information is available in the full tender specification (attached).