Creative Estuary: Impact Evaluation and Social Value Framework

Creative Estuary has been established to transform 60 miles of the Thames Estuary across Essex and Kent into one of the most exciting cultural hubs in the world.

To measure and enhance its impact, RealWorth was commissioned to develop a comprehensive Evaluation Framework.

By embedding a rigorous evaluation process, Creative Estuary is setting a standard for cultural regeneration, ensuring its initiatives create lasting and measurable change.

2-3 Degrees: The Crown Estate Youth Panel

2-3 Degrees is a social enterprise that aims to inspire and equip young people with personal development skills needed to fulfil their potential. In partnership with The Crown Estate (TCE), 2-3 Degrees set up a Youth Panel to provide a youth voice on regeneration projects across London and within the Crown Estate properties.

RealWorth was commissioned to evaluate and quantify the social value generated by the young people as a result of their experience on the Panel. The study assessed the programme’s capability to deliver social value from the youth participant’s perspective, including growth in confidence, skills, career aspirations and knowledge, with the benefits expressed both quantitatively through case studies and qualitatively through a social return on investment (SROI) value.

Trinity Theatre: Impact Evaluation

Trinity Theatre, situated in Tunbridge Wells, is a classical theatre, music, films, visual arts and children’s theatre, that is keen to enrich all age groups and enhance cultural togetherness. RealWorth was recently commissioned on how the Theatre generates social value, and therefore reviewed the last two years of operation at the theatre interviewing both management and board.

Throughout this assessment, RealWorth completed on-site reports which included a theory of change. To add value to this report it was important to help the Theatre communicate the many ways in which they change lives for the better.

Outcomes associated with the past two years of Trinity activity range from local heritage and people having improved wellbeing through living in good quality housing. The youth theatre has enabled people to gain employability skills and increased the amount of people who attend shows creating a welcoming community.

This project has assisted Trinity Theatre in starting a journey of demonstrating the social value they create and provided them with key material that they can showcase to corporate, donors and councils. It also assisted the board in re-evaluating its social purpose and strategy when introducing new projects.

Young Voices: Economic and Social Impact Evaluation

Young Voices are the largest school choir in the world. Their programme links skill and educational development to the power of music and has developed a reputation amongst educators and venues that sees repeat and increased participation year on year, making a positive impact on those involved and their wider community.

To explain the impact the choir has on its young people, Young Voices tasked RealWorth in collaboration with Sound Diplomacy to understand the economic and social value of 27 concerts between January and February 2023. RealWorth conducted a Social Return on Investment study and calculated the value of the social impact of music education. Over time, our report will allow Young Voices to expand its reach and make the project even more accessible to children from all backgrounds.