Independent Evaluator for Creative Places & Community Arts

Arts Council England; Salford; Hybrid; GBP 27,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

Arts Council England is seeking an independent evaluator or team to assess Re-centre, Salford’s Creative People and Places programme. You will design the evaluation framework, refine the Theory of Change, measure progress and impact, and support learning for programme development with the programme director and partners.

The contract runs January 2027 to 30 April 2029. Key outputs include a Place-based Needs Analysis, SWOT, interim and final reports, and multiple annual Impact & Insight Toolkit

Qualifications

• Experience in developing evaluation frameworks and Theories of Change.
• Ability to analyse and synthesize qualitative and quantitative evidence.
• Participatory approach that values community knowledge and supports learning and adaptation.
• Ability to work collaboratively while providing independent judgement and constructive challenge.
• Strong communication skills for presenting findings to diverse audiences.

Responsibilities

• Develop an evaluation framework with the Programme Director and Board, aligned with Re-centre's aims, Business Plan, Theory of Change and ACE requirements.
• Review and refine the Theory of Change.
• Develop a Place-based Needs Analysis and SWOT in collaboration with the Programme Director.
• Establish proportionate monitoring and evaluation processes, develop resources and train the team to use them independently.
• Provide independent analysis, reflection and challenge, assessing progress, outcomes and impact.
• Support Action Research through planned learning and reflection with the delivery team.
• Identify evidence-gathering priorities, attend team meetings and visit programme activities.
• Produce interim and final reports, at least two annual Impact & Insight Toolkit evaluations and two case studies per year.

Skills

Evaluation frameworks

Theories of Change

Qualitative & quantitative analysis

Participatory approach

Independent judgment / critical think

Communication skills

Job description

Arts Council England is seeking an independent evaluator or team to assess Re-centre, Salford’s Creative People and Places programme. You will design the evaluation framework, refine the Theory of Change, measure progress and impact, and support learning for programme development with the programme director and partners.

The contract runs January 2027 to 30 April 2029. Key outputs include a Place-based Needs Analysis, SWOT, interim and final reports, and multiple annual Impact & Insight Toolkit