1. MONITORING AND EVALUATION Teresa Lipson Strategic Commissioning Manager Older People, East Sussex CC

2. Purpose of group To develop an approach to monitoring and evaluating the impact of the scheme on both the people who live there and the broader community

3. Background Downlands Day Centre and origins of the bid Scheme vision Role of Seniors Forum and local community in project

4. Activities so far (1) The group has met 4 times as a group with an additional meeting between Teresa and lecturers from the Universities of Brighton and Sussex As there already are a number of systems in existence for quantitative measures the group has concentrated on the qualitative outcome

5. Activities so far (2) Started off looking at a the international development model focusing on sustainable livelihoods Unique feature is focus on community engagement in the monitoring and evaluation process DH interest – has given small sum to develop approach

6. Key principles of the approach (1) Understanding the social, geographic and resource environment should be central. The M&E will take a holistic approach M&E is a vital part of policy review and resource allocation processes.

7. Key principles of the approach (2) We will work with a range of stakeholders from the outset of the M and E process Reviewing and reflecting on progress over time can ensure that M and E is experienced as an opportunity to learn and improve as the scheme develops.

8. Key principles of the approach (3) The approach needs to be participatory in the sense of active participation of key stakeholders, not merely consultation. Issues, objectives and indicators will be determined by those most strongly affected by the scheme

9. Key principles of the approach (4) Qualitative information can provide a depth of understanding which is not necessarily attainable through quantitative measures, but both are important.

10. Themes to be explored (1) Impact on residents Impact on carers - those living with residents and those apart Impact on community perception about possible care options later in life Impact on how older people feel about the area

11. Themes to be explored (2) Interagency collaboration – how stakeholders feel about it and how it is perceived by users Possibly – intergenerational impact

12. How we will go about monitoring and evaluation Longitudinal – regular reporting Active resident and local community engagement in evaluation throughout – using Meridian Mature Citizens interviewers and/or members of the Community Engagement group

13. Main activities (1) Focus groups of scheme residents Stakeholder analysis – includes agencies as well as users and carers – clarifying objectives as baseline Training of community evaluators Interviews initially after 3 months, then 9 months, then annually

14. Main activities (2) Using a variety of materials.e.g diaries, photos, feedback pinboard (actual and virtual), focusing on day to day illustrations of central themes Regular meetings of facilitator and community evaluators to collate information on interview results and give feedback to commissioners, providers and community members

15. Main activities (3) Using scheme manager and/or possible community worker to gauge local view about the overall impact of the scheme on the local area

16. Main activities (4) Interagency aspects – reviewing the way in which workers from different agencies/disciplines contribute to the service and ways in which they work together. Reviewing governance process and more strategic collaboration between agencies with an interest in the scheme.

17. Next steps Workshop in July to define roles and responsibilities and develop an action plan Avoid re-inventing the wheel Clarify desired outcomes and develop minimum data sets for all activities Seek funding for co-ordinating evaluators

18. Acknowledgements With thanks to Buzz Harrison (University of Sussex) and Marion Barnes (University of Brighton) Kate Davies (Meridian Mature Senior Citizens Forum) And colleagues from Adult Social Care, East Sussex CC