Evaluation of Maps and Memories Project

Budget: £3,500 (inclusive of all fees and expenses)
Contract type: Freelance
Deadline for submissions: 24 November 2025

1. Introduction

NI Science Festival invites proposals from suitably qualified freelance evaluators or small consultancy teams to design and deliver the evaluation of Maps and Memories, a two-year heritage project exploring the history, impact and contemporary relevance of the Ordnance Survey in Northern Ireland, marking its 200th anniversary. The project partners are NI Science Festival, National Trust, Ordnance Survey NI, Historic Environment Division and Queens University. The project is funded by the National Heritage Lottery Fund.

The project will engage communities, schools, researchers and the public through events, exhibitions, workshops and participatory activities exploring how mapping has shaped identity, place and memory over the past two centuries.

We are seeking an evaluator who can help us capture and communicate the impact of this work and provide constructive, actionable insights to inform project delivery.

2. Purpose of the Evaluation

The evaluation will:

• Measure the outcomes, reach and impact of the project against its aims and objectives.

• Collect qualitative and quantitative data from participants, partners, staff and audiences.

• Provide a formative evaluation report at the end of Year 1 with recommendations to shape Year 2 delivery.

• Produce a final summative evaluation report at the end of Year 2, demonstrating the project’s achievements, legacy and learning.

3. Scope of Work

The evaluator will be expected to:

Year 1 (2025–2026):

• Review and refine the project’s intended outcomes and success measures.

• Assist in designing an appropriate evaluation framework and methodology.

• Be supplied with baseline data collection and early feedback from participants, partners and audiences from the Maps and Memories Coordinator.

• Produce a mid-point report (approx. June 2026) summarising findings and providing practical recommendations to inform the planning and delivery of Year 2 activities.

Year 2 (2026–2027):

• Continue data collection throughout activities (including interviews, focus groups, surveys, observation, and case studies).

• Analyse findings and assess the project’s overall impact on participants, partners and the wider public.

• Deliver a final evaluation report (approx. July 2027) with clear evidence of outcomes, learning points and recommendations for future work.

4. Methodology

We are open to a range of evaluation approaches but expect proposals to include:

• Use of qualitative methods (e.g. interviews, case studies, focus groups, reflective tools) to capture participant experiences and the project’s deeper impact.

• Use of quantitative methods (e.g. attendance data, survey results) where appropriate.

• Analysis of both outputs (activities delivered) and outcomes (changes in knowledge, attitudes, skills, connections, and awareness).

5. Deliverables

• Evaluation framework and plan – by February 2026

• Year 1 interim report with recommendations – by June 2026

• Final evaluation report – by July 2027

6. Budget

The total fee available is £3,500 (inclusive of VAT and expenses). This is a fixed fee and should cover all evaluator costs, including meetings, travel, analysis, writing and presentation. ​​A payment schedule will be agreed with the successful candidate and will be staged to include delivery deadlines for the interim and final reports.

We anticipate the work will require input across the two-year project, with an estimated split of approximately 40% of the budget for Year 1 and 60% for Year 2.

7. Person Specification

We are seeking a freelancer or small team with:

• Demonstrable experience evaluating heritage, cultural or community projects.

• Skills in qualitative and participatory evaluation methods.

• Experience producing clear, practical reports with actionable recommendations.

• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with project staff and partners.

8. How To Apply

Organisations and individuals can apply. Your proposal (max 4 pages) should include:

• A short statement outlining your understanding of the project and approach to the evaluation.

• Proposed methodology and timeline.

• Details of relevant experience and examples of previous work.

• A breakdown of how you would allocate the £3,500 budget.

• CV(s) of key personnel to highlight expertise and capacity.

• Details of your policy or approach on managing and protecting data and detail your ethical practice as a part of researching and interviewing people.

Please send proposals to polly@nisciencefestival.com by 24 November. Shortlisted applicants may be invited to a short online discussion before appointment.

9. Timeline

• Tender issued: 21st October 2025

• Deadline for submissions: 24 November 2025

• Evaluator appointed: 1 December 2025

• Work commences: January 2026

• Interim report (Year 1): June 2026

• Final report: July 2027

Contact: For questions or an informal conversation about this tender, please contact Polly Garnett at polly@nisciencefestival.com.

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