women in london

the nia project’s Children and Young People’s Service aims to meet the needs of children, young people and mothers/carers affected by violence against women. We strive for quality in our work and as part of this we seek evaluation of our practice.

We are currently seeking external evaluations of four projects, to be carried out over the period 2010-2012. Evaluators are welcome to apply to carry out one or any number of these evaluations.

Parenting Programme (to be evaluated from Feb 2010-March 2011)

This is an innovative project delivered in partnership with DVIP (Domestic Violence Intervention Project). The project works with parents affected by both current and historic gender violence, both as perpetrators and victim/survivors. This includes both individual and groupwork.

Project aims:
* To develop a parenting work model that synthesises international best practice to address parenting in the context of abusive relationships
* To improve parenting skills for parents involved in abusive relationships
* To enable parents to understand violence/abuse from the child’s perspective and to minimise its impact
* To work with mothers/carers and children to create safety plans
* To risk assess fathers who are abusive to better enable practitioners to minimize and manage risks
* To share best practice with practitioners

As a guide, the indicative budget available is £20,000 (maximum).
Value for money is a criteria of evaluation.

Young People and Sexual Exploitation (to be evaluated from Jan-Dec 2010)

This project delivers preventative work on sexual exploitation to children aged 11-21 years old, as well as awareness-raising training for professionals. This is a participative project which has placed the voices of young people at the centre, working with them to develop and deliver training programmes. The training aspect of this project is delivered in partnership with The Children’s Society.

Project aims:
* An increased number of young people at risk of being abused through sexual exploitation access appropriate support
* An increased number of professionals are able to identify young people at risk of sexual exploitation and take appropriate action
* An increase in the number of agencies aware of this issue and feeling more able to address it

As a guide, the indicative budget available is £5,000 (maximum).
Value for money is a criteria of evaluation.

Young People and Sexual Violence: (to be evaluated from Jan-Dec 2012)

This project delivers preventative work on sexual violence for 10-21 year olds. The project will take a three pronged approach- working with young people, parents/carers and professionals. This project builds on our experience of delivering programmes to tackle gender violence.

Project aims:
* Young people will have an increased knowledge and understanding of sexual bullying and violence
* We will increase the ability of professionals working with young people to address sexual bullying and violence
* We will enable parents/carers to better support their children as actual or potential victims or perpetrators of sexual bullying/violence

As a guide, the indicative budget available is £5,000 (maximum).
Value for money is a criteria of evaluation.

Family Learning Programme (to be evaluated from April 2010-March 2011)

The Family Learning Team deliver learning through play to mothers/carers and their children affected by gender violence, particularly focusing on families from Black, minority ethnic and refugee communities. This creative project works to increase skills of both mothers/carers and their children as well as increasing attachment.

Project aims:
* Children and mothers/carers will participate and enjoy educational activities
* Children will develop skills, including language and literacy, communication, social skills and physical development, as well as increasing confidence
* Mothers/carers will develop new or existing practical skills , enabling them to support their children’s learning, improve parenting skills and develop communication and self esteem
* Children and mothers will learn safety planning skills
* Mothers/carers are better able to interact with their children and report an improved mother-child relationship

As a guide, the indicative budget available is £5,000 (maximum).
Value for money is a criteria of evaluation.

Further Details:

We require evaluators to focus on how well we have met our project aims, as well as reflecting on project methodology.

Tender Documents should include:
* Proposed methodology and timed work plan
* Details of relevant experience, including working with vulnerable women and children as well as stakeholders
* Details of three recent and relevant referees
* Breakdown of expenditure and details of value for money

Closing date for proposals: Monday 11 January 5pm

Tender submissions should be placed envelope marked ‘1’ and this in turn placed in envelope marked ‘2’ and sent to the nia project, Unit 2B, Leroy House, 436 Essex Road, London N1 3QP.

Please note that you are responsible for ensuring that your tender is submitted by the deadline. Emailed submissions will not be accepted.

If you have any queries please contact Nicola by email or on 020 76831270 ext 217.

Evaluation criteria
* Ability to effectively deliver high quality evaluation services
* Practical experience of delivering evaluation services for organisations similar to the nia project, for example a charity of similar size and / or nature
* Declaration of any conflicts of interest
* Methodology statements
* References
* Understanding of the sensitive nature of the work of the nia project
* Awareness of and commitment to working within the values of the organisation
* Professional qualifications
* Personal Indemnity Insurance
* Price

These projects are funded by: Comic Relief, City Bridge Trust, The Big Lottery and The Parenting Fund.

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