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Initial evaluation of the Strategic Development Fund

Summary

SQW Ltd was commissioned by the Higher Education Funding Council in England (HEFCE) in June 2006 to carry out an initial evaluation of the Strategic Development Fund.

SQW selected a sample of 46 SDF projects to carry out a desk-based review of the proposal, appraisal and monitoring documents. The sample was chosen to provide an overview by region, type and project size. Four projects from the sample were selected for analysis as detailed case studies. SQW carried out interviews with HEFCE staff and Board members involved in the assessment and approval of SDF projects.

The evaluation concluded that the SDF had been successful to date, making a positive additional contribution to projects which are consistent with the objectives of the fund and with the wider strategic objectives of HEFCE, the HEIs involved and their partners. It was too early to make a full assessment of projects' outcomes, however. HEIs are generally supportive of the SDF, do not find its processes to be overly burdensome and welcome its flexibility. SQW recommended that: HEFCE and HEIs might take a higher degree of risk with SDF investment; SDF processes, while sound, might be streamlined further, particularly for smaller and low-risk projects. The evaluation recommended a greater focus on the long-term outcomes of projects, to inform future decision making.

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