Job Summary
Undertake the independent evaluation of Re-centre, Salford’s new Creative People and Places programme. Develop its evaluation framework, assess progress and impact, and support community-led learning to inform programme development.
Job Description
Re-centre is Salford's new, city-wide Creative People and Places (CPP) programme, funded by Arts Council England (ACE) and led by the University of Salford with Salford City Council, Salford Community Leisure, The Lowry and Salford CVS. It is the first phase of a ten-year vision for community-led culture, with £750,000 in ACE funding and £300,000 confirmed match funding.
Re-centre aims to enable more people to shape and participate in their communities' cultural life. Cultural democracy, community voice and locally rooted activity are central to its approach.
We are seeking an experienced independent evaluator or team for January 2027 to 30 April 2029. The commission will establish an evaluation framework, refine the Theory of Change and assess progress, outcomes and impact, including the programme's contribution to Salford's communities and cultural infrastructure.
Working with Re-centre's Programme Director, delivery team, communities and partners, the evaluator will establish proportionate monitoring and evaluation processes, develop resources and train the team to take increasing responsibility for routine monitoring and data collection. They will provide independent analysis, constructive challenge and planned learning to inform programme development.
Key outputs include a Place-based Needs Analysis and SWOT, interim reports in May 2027 and May 2028, a final evaluation report by 30 April 2029, at least two annual Impact & Insight Toolkit evaluations and two case studies per year.
Fee: £30,000 inclusive of travel and VAT
Contract: January 2027 to 30 April 2029
Proposal deadline: 11:59pm, Sunday 22 November 2026
Interviews: Week commencing 7 December 2026
Job Requirements
We are looking for an independent evaluator with experience in arts, cultural, community-led or place-based programmes. You will bring:
- Experience of developing evaluation frameworks and Theories of Change
- Ability to analyse and synthesise qualitative and quantitative evidence
- A 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, including presenting findings clearly to different audiences
Job Responsibilities
The Independent Evaluator will:
- 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
See the full evaluation brief for the complete scope and deliverables.
- Job Title: Independent Evaluator - Re-centre, Creative People and Places programme
- Artform: Combined arts
- Role: Research
- Contract: Contract
- Location: North West
Re-centre and the Salford Creative People and Places Consortium are committed to equality, diversity, inclusion and accessibility. We welcome proposals from evaluators with a range of experiences and perspectives.
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University of Salford employer: Arts Council England
Arts Council England is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that values flexibility and employee well-being. With a focus on professional growth, employees benefit from generous annual leave, a final salary pension scheme, and opportunities to lead innovative digital projects in a collaborative environment. Located in Manchester, the role allows for hybrid working, ensuring a balanced approach to work and life while contributing to meaningful organisational change.
