Evaluating the community research network
What is the purpose of the evaluation?
We want to find out how well the Rural Durham Community Research Network is working, what impact it’s having and how it operates by listening to everyone involved and learning together. To do this, we have developed a monitoring and evaluation (M&E) programme for the network.
The M&E has been designed by community researchers, the delivery team (Rural Design Centre, Durham Community Action and Durham University) and voluntary, community and social enterprises and is embedded in the activities of the network to make sure it captures what really matters to people, organisations and members of the network that live and work in Teasdale, Derwent Valley and Weardale.
What are we evaluating?
Our evaluation goals are: to understand the skills and strengths of the people and teams involved; track how healthy and connected the network is over five years; explore how empowered people feel to act and lead; review how well the delivery team is working; measure the short-term results for people, organisations and communities; and predict long-term changes in Teesdale, Weardale and Derwent Valley. You can read more information on the M&E framework here.
How are we going to evaluate?
We will be using a range of tools and methods with the network's input and analysis including surveys, focus groups, workshops, case studies and testimonials. This allows for findings of the evaluation, through formal and informal channels, including at quarterly network meetings and the newsletter, to feed back into the network to support continuous learning and community building.
How can I access the findings from the evaluation?
Along with sharing feedback from the evaluation throughout the programme with members of the network, we will also provide all evaluation materials on the website for anyone within or outside of the network to access.