Evaluation
Hardheads Heritage deliver evaluation for heritage and arts organisations as well as for our own projects, creating valuable opportunities for reflection, learning and future planning. Our evaluation also supports clear, evidence-based reporting to funders including the National Lottery Heritage Fund and Arts Council England.
Explore examples of our work below.
How we evaluate?
Every project and organisation is different, so our approach is always tailored to your needs. Our evaluation planning follows a clear structure, supporting you from the beginning, through delivery, to final reflection and reporting.
Start of Project
Effective evaluation begins at the start of a project. Using the project plan as a foundation, we develop a tailored Evaluation Plan and Toolkit that reflects the project’s aims and needs, with training available to give the project team the confidence and skills to put it into practice.
Project Running
Throughout the project, we monitor the evaluation evidence being collected, offer advice and practical support, and visit the project when needed. We also adapt the Evaluation Plan and Toolkit as the project develops, ensuring they remain relevant and effective.
End of Project
As the project draws to a close, we ensure that all evaluation data is complete and up to date. We often facilitate a ‘Lessons Learned’ session, giving the team an opportunity to reflect on the project and enabling their insights to inform the final report.
All Saints Church Community Facilities Project
Bednall, Staffordshire
Evaluation Consultant
Funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and other grant-makers, this project transformed the village church into a welcoming community hub. A glazed internal screen created a dedicated community area with its own entrance, toilet and kitchenette, while upgraded heating and lighting made the historic building more comfortable and energy-efficient. The church also developed a programme of activities to welcome local people into the building, including lunch clubs, craft sessions and groups for children.
Beacon on the Hill
St. John's Church, Doddington, Shropshire
Evaluation Consultant
The ‘Beacon on the Hill’ project aimed to create a welcoming gateway through which people could discover the area’s rich and important heritage, while also serving the local community. With funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and other grant-making bodies, the team improved and conserved the church building, installing a toilet, kitchen facilities, a self-service area and a heritage display for visitors. The project also included ‘Song of the Hill’, an artist-in-residence programme that worked with local groups, along with training opportunities for volunteers.
In Your Shoes
Kirkgate Arts and Heritage, Cumbria
Evaluation Consultant and Curator for 'Offcomers' Exhibition
In Your Shoes was funded through the NLHF, to support a volunteer team to create two exhibitions, a Youth Theatre production and programme of workshops and performances.