Evaluation Feed Back SLIM Working through people…

Remit and Method Assessing partner perspectives on SLIM’s role, priorities, activities, areas of impact Assessing overall achievements against objectives Considering future priorities, strategy, sustainability, and changing regional context In- depth interviews with key stakeholders Stakeholder mapping & user analysis

Stakeholder Views: SLIM’s role and approach “SLIM’s role is as interlocutors, translating information into something that makes sense.” “Providing a forum on key issues where different voices and perspectives can be heard” “Skilled in partnership working, the trust is there”

Stakeholder Views: Quality “SLIM have proven what they can do” “The newsletter is invaluable” “Endless reports are produced that are scarcely read. Learning themes redress the balance by providing valuable time for reflection”

Stakeholder Views: Impact “SLIM does have real influence, evidenced in the way key messages and findings are being reflected in regional policy work” “SLIM are getting people thinking about the data which in turn influences their thinking”

Stakeholder Views: The Future “If anything the imperative for SLIM is greater now than ever before” “There are huge opportunities ahead of SLIM can raise their game” “SLIM should receive funding as an integral part of the regional infrastructure”

Findings Differentiated perceptions across stakeholders according to proximity SLIM’s role is invaluable, appreciated & clear – knowledge management is key Partner relations combined with technical capacity are at the core of SLIM’s success

Findings Role of FRESA in providing a policy vehicle- SLIM has created impact in a short space of time SLIM has achieved most of its objectives – comprehensive services, extensive outreach, thematic work SLIM’s future continuation is essential – key issues need to be addressed

Key Strategic Questions How to build on SLIM’s work to date and realise potential in the context of SWESA & FRESA? Issues in managing versus delivering research? How best to meet the opportunity to expand the customer base? Team capacity - gaps? Operational issues – cross boundary working with the Observatory, relationship with Marchmont, terms of reference? Funding beyond 2006?

Meeting the Challenge Organisational development – holding onto what works Managing the external interface, clarity around roles Internal expertise – add to capability, play to strengths Develop stakeholder base – peripheral, use stakeholder mapping Develop differentiated marketing & communications strategy, products & services Funding – role of core partners is key, mixed models are inappropriate, upfront investment required

Recommendations Strategic Operational Developmental Sustainability

Contact Details Anita Gulati InPerspective UK Ltd 6 Burghley Rd Bristol BS6 5BN Tel: