Evaluation of Creating Strong Communities in North East Lincolnshire

The Creating Strong Communities model was intended to change the way local practitioners and partners in North East Lincolnshire work together to safeguard vulnerable children.

The model combined four established tools within community practice intervention (Outcome Based Accountability, Restorative Practice, Signs of Safety and Family Group Conferencing). At the time, it was the first service to have combined these tools in this way.

Our evaluation was designed to capture the collective impact of the above elements on practitioner practice, partnership working and outcomes for young people and families. It involved focus groups with local authority senior managers, surveys and consultations with practitioners across all four of the tools, qualitative case studies with families and a cost-benefit analysis showing the cashable savings compared with the costs of delivery. The final report from the evaluation is available on our [Reports] page.

Feedback from our clients

  • "It’s a great report, and I’ve submitted it to the Ofsted inspection team." – Strategic Commissioner, local authority

  • “Thanks for such a thoughtful report. It will be very useful to us and other organisations. Another great job from York Consulting!” Local Authority Director

  • “Thank you for this very helpful evaluation. I have only received positive feedback on it. It has been great working with you.” Local Authority Head of Service

  • “Your report was extremely thorough, and I appreciate how responsive you were to our additional requests for analysis.” Government department

  • “The team at York Consulting were professional and a delight to work with. I am very grateful for their input.” Government department

  • "Well done – a lot of work in a short space of time and at such high quality.” Sector Skills Council

  • "Your workshop was extremely well received and enabled managers to gain detailed insight, drawing on your expertise and knowledge.” Senior manager, not-for-profit organisation

  • "It [YCL’s final report] is one of the most impressive evaluation reports I’ve had the pleasure to read.” Principal, Further Education College

  • “YCL staff understand our organisation…I have developed a great relationship with them and I hope to work with them again.” Housing Association

  • “I’ve enjoyed working with you on this project. Thanks for your co-operation and flexibility.” Government department