We are seeking an experienced individual or organisation who can create and deliver independent monitoring and evaluation of the Sciencewise programme.
About the Project
Since its inception in 2004, the Sciencewise programme has been a pioneer in embedding public dialogue into science and technology policymaking in the UK. Over the past 20 years, Sciencewise has played a critical role in ensuring that scientific and technological advancements align with societal values and priorities. With over 75 public dialogues and the involvement of more than 8,000 participants contributing around 70,000 hours of deliberation, Sciencewise has enabled meaningful conversations on critical issues such as climate change, genome editing, and food systems, fostering transparency, inclusion, and trust in decision-making processes.
The 2024–2030 phase of Sciencewise has set new ambitions for the programme’s impact, through our three Programme Accelerators:
(1) innovation
(2) power, voice and inclusion (which includes the public setting the agenda)
(3) creating lasting relationships (going beyond one-off interactions)
Sciencewise is looking for an independent impact evaluator to assess the programme’s impact, effectiveness, and future potential – while ensuring it remains a leading model for public participation in science and technology policymaking and research. This consultant will conduct an annual impact review of the programme — not just for the Sciencewise projects in the preceding year, but with a wider lens. We envisage this feeding into our communication and storytelling strategy.
Scope of Services
We are seeking an experienced individual or organisation who can create and deliver independent monitoring and evaluation of the overall Sciencewise programme.
Working with the project team and partners, the Independent Evaluator be responsible for: developing a new Theory of Change for the programme; creating the Monitoring and Evaluation Plan and bringing together the information collected; and carrying out evaluation and impact measurement of the Sciencewise programme on an ongoing basis, and producing an annual impact report.
The consultant’s role is to provide expert analytical skills, knowledge, advice and the listed outputs to ensure that the evaluation of the project is completed successfully, meets key funder and stakeholders’ requirements and outcomes, and leaves a sustainable legacy.
Delivery Timescales
The services will be delivered between July 2025 and November 2027 (with possibility for extension) and include:
| Output/Responsibility | Timeline for delivery |
|---|---|
| Finalised project plan – in discussion with the Sciencewise team | Mid August 2025 |
| Programme wide Theory of Change and Impact Monitoring and Evaluation Plan | Mid September 2025 |
| Annual impact review (July 2024 – June 2025) | End November 2025 |
| Annual impact review (July 2025 – June 2026) | End October 2026 |
| Annual impact review (July 2026 – June 2027) | End October 2027 |
| Reflection sessions with Sciencewise evaluators | Once per year (July-June) |
| Learning sessions with the Sciencewise team | Two per year or proportion of the year (July – June) |
| Data collection in line with the Impact Monitoring and Evaluation Plan | Ongoing/throughout |
Budget
The maximum budget for this piece of work is £45,000 including VAT, as follows:
- £10,000 for the development of the Theory of Change (ToC).
- £35,000 for all other services rendered over the initial two years and four months period (at a rate of £15,000 per annum, pro rata).
Tender Process
Interested parties should complete a tender return and submit to [email protected] by 4th June 2025.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview on week commencing 16th June 2025 with tender award anticipated during the week of 30th June 2025. Shortlisted candidates may be invited to attend a second round of interviews as part of the selection process.
Please note that this evaluator role cannot be involved in the evaluation of any current individual Sciencewise projects. Applicants must declare any potential conflicts of interest.
Full details of the tender process, specification and evaluation criteria can be found in the attached document below:
Invitation to Tender PDF
