The partnership has created an inter-disciplinary research team in Southend focussing on formative (process) evaluation of the ABSS work. This looks particularly at the development of projects and services and the experiences of parents, families, volunteers and workers involved in those projects. It will allow opportunities for academics across the School of Health and Social Care at the University of Essex to be involved in future evaluation projects.

Professor Vicky Joffe is acting as Strategic Lead for this work, with Kathryn Chard and Dr Aaron Wyllie taking on joint roles as Co-Principal Investigators. They are joined by experienced researchers who will work closely with ABSS staff and project teams to evaluate the effectiveness of ABSS services and projects and the effect they have on those who participate in them.

For more information about the Programme Evaluation Partnership, contact Clare Littleford, Research and Evaluation Manager at ABSS: Clare.Littleford@eyalliance.org.uk or Kathryn Chard, Co-Principal Investigator, University of Essex: kathryn.chard@essex.ac.uk.

The independent Summative Evaluation includes the following:

• Interviewing ABSS partners, programme delivery staff, other children’s and families’ service providers, community leaders and representative groups in Southend
• Interviewing ABSS service managers
• Carrying out a survey of ABSS service delivery staff and volunteers
• Conducting research with ABSS services
• Carrying out surveys and focus groups with parents and carers who have taken part in ABSS activities or events
• Carrying out a survey of local parents and carers who have not taken part in ABSS

The findings will help service providers make decisions about services for children and families in Southend.

It is important that we reach as many local people as possible, so that the research truly reflects the views of local people. That’s where you come in! The first round of fieldwork has recently been completed, but we will be looking for more parents, service delivery staff and volunteers to share their views in 2023 and in 2024.

The reports based on the first round of evaluation are now available. A Summary report sets out the key findings, while a more detailed Full Report includes more technical aspects about the data collection and analysis.

If you want to know more about this work or if you would like to take part in one of the activities listed above please contact Beth Young, RSM research manager: beth.young@rsmuk.com.