Communities and Place
High-quality research and evaluations to drive better outcomes for local communities
Fortia Insight’s communities and youth team delivers high-quality research and evaluations to drive better outcomes for local communities and the organisations that support them. We have partnered with leading commissioners, including the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, The National Lottery Community Fund, the Department for Transport and the Education and Training Foundation to deliver impactful work across a wide range of policy and outcome areas.
We evaluate and conduct mixed-method research on projects such as
- Place-based initiatives
- Funds and programmes aimed at local VCSE organisations
- Youth and vulnerable group engagement
- Outcome measurement in health and wellbeing employability, skills development, volunteering and social connection.
Our evaluations are flexible and agile in tandem with programme implementation. This ensures that insights and recommendations are timely, actionable and embedded into ongoing delivery. We use robust mixed-method approaches, including theory-based and quasi-experimental designs, which are aligned with Green, Aqua and Magenta Book best practices. Central to our work is participatory evaluation. We involve funders, grantees and beneficiaries (including young people) throughout the process from shaping the theory of change to reflecting on findings.
With experience ranging from complex, system-wide interventions to single-organisation programmes, we consistently deliver rigorous insights and practical recommendations. Our team is committed to helping decision-makers demonstrate impact and continuously improve their interventions.
Our specialist skillset:
Fund and programme evaluation
Fund and programme evaluation
We design and deliver robust, mixed-method evaluations – both theory based and quasi-experimental – for complex funds focused on civil society and place-based interventions, especially those supporting young people.
Outcome mapping and strategy development
Outcome mapping and strategy development
We co-create theories of change and logic models with funders; voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) partners; implementers; and beneficiaries to align on priority outcomes, shape data collection and inform strategic direction.
Evidence synthesis to strengthen decision-making
Evidence synthesis to strengthen decision-making
We translate research into actionable, mission-aligned recommendations, developing tailored monitoring and evaluation frameworks to identify what works and what doesn’t to guide continuous improvement.
Translating place insight into measurable outcomes
Translating place insight into measurable outcomes
We help central government, local authorities and charities turn local insight into investable strategies by co-producing ‘theories of place’, delivering inclusive engagement and examining change over time.
Stakeholder engagement and consultation
Stakeholder engagement and consultation
We lead primary research – interviews, surveys, workshops and focus groups – with communities, vulnerable groups, young people and decision-makers to generate evidence-based insights that shape policy, practice and lessons learned for future design.
Programme design and improvement
Programme design and improvement
We apply leading edge process evaluation methods to refine delivery models, targeting strategies and support services, enhancing the effectiveness of civil society and youth-focused programmes.
Digital monitoring and dashboards
Digital monitoring and dashboards
We build meaningful indicators, automate data flows and visualise performance to support timely, evidence-informed decisions.
Speak to our expert advisor:
Kieran Jones
Director