Independent Evaluator - Re-centre, Creative People and Places programme
University of Salford Closing date: Sun, 22 Nov 2026
- Part time
- £30k-£40k
- Apply now
Thu, 05 Nov 2026 "> published -
Job Summary
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
Full tender brief: https://artcollection.salford.ac.uk/2026/11/03/opportunity-help-evaluate-the-impact-of-community-led-culture-across-salford/
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.
Useful Links
Job Overview
- Job Title: Independent Evaluator - Re-centre, Creative People and Places programme
- Salary: £30k-£40k
- Hours: Part time
- Artform: Combined arts
- Role: Research
- Contract: Contract
- Closing date: Sun, 22 Nov 2026
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Location:
North West
How to Apply
Please submit a proposal addressing the requirements set out in the full evaluation tender brief, including your understanding of the project, proposed approach and methodology, relevant experience, workplan, allocation of days and budget, initial view of how responsibilities could be shared between the evaluator and delivery team, and details of two referees.
Written proposals should be no more than four sides of A4. Supporting information can be provided separately. Proposals are also welcome in presentation or other accessible formats.
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.
For adjustments or support at any stage, or an informal conversation with a member of the Consortium Board, please email [email protected].
Proposal deadline: 11:59pm, Sunday 22 November 2026
Interviews: W/C 7 December 2026
- Contact name: Kate Atkin
- Contact email: [email protected]
About University of Salford
The University of Salford is a leading Greater Manchester university with more than 26,000 students from over 130 countries. Through teaching, research and civic engagement, it works closely with communities, employers and partners to create positive social impact. Re-centre is led by the team at the University of Salford Art Collection, an award-winning public collection connecting art, artists and communities through participation, learning, research and creative engagement.