Evaluation

In July 2005, the GHP Steering Group appointed independent evaluators Hall Aitken to carry out an external assessment of the partnership.

Since then, the evaluators have carried out desk research, mind-mapping workshops with the steering group, online questionnaires and interviews with project leads, artists and stakeholders.

Summary of Report

The interim evaluation report, published in November 2006, assesses the strengths and weaknesses of the partnership and identifies opportunities for future development.

The report gives an overview of the GHP approach and outlines the projects to date. It goes on to look at GHP’s successes in engaging communities in the development of open space, high quality and sustainable design, developing expertise and skills, changing the perception of the role of artists and levering in external funding.

Although comparison between other projects is difficult because of the lack of similar projects, the report tries to identify how GHP compares with one similar authority.

The report recognises that there are a number of opportunities to widen the scope of the partnership. It also identifies opportunities for the approach to become self-sustaining in the future, for example through Section 106 agreements.

Exit Strategy - Summary of Approach

An Exit Strategy sub-group of the Steering Group was established in September 2006 to look at the future possibilities for the partnership. The group is exploring viable options to build upon the success of the GHP to date, beyond the initial three year period.

Taking on board the outcomes of the interim evaluation, support from local authorities in Hertfordshire and the Arts Council England, East, an Exit Strategy and supporting business plan are in development. These were outlined to Herts Association of Cultural Officers (HACO) in December 2006.