CP1580-18 In-life programme evaluation of the ERDF Enhance Social Enterprise Programme

The Heart of the South West (HotSW) Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) commissioned Wavehill Report estimated that in 2016 there were 1,090 Social Enterprises across the LEP area, with a combined turnover of £1.65bn, employing 37,200 people, supported by a further 34,800 volunteers. The Report was used to inform the necessary work to be undertaken to develop the HotSW Social Enterprise sector further, blending the support common to all businesses with that which is specific to their needs, structures and social purposes.

Devon County Council (DCC) is looking to procure an in-life programme evaluation using a Theory of Change methodology to identify desired outcomes of the Programme, route-mapping the necessary actions to achieve the outcomes and a regular review to make sure that the actions are working, and how they could be improved. DCC will require the Supplier to undertake a research project identifying desired outcomes and measuring mechanisms of the Enhance Social Enterprise Programme. This will include the development of the combined social impact of the sector, the economic growth and sustainability of the sector, job creation and career opportunity, network membership and new Community Interest Company registrations.