ERS was commissioned in 2017 and 2021 to lead the evaluation of the Towards Work programme, funded by the national Building Better Opportunities programme (National Lottery Community Fund). The programme was designed to support unemployed or economically inactive people experiencing social exclusion and poverty, who required support in order to overcome employment barriers. The programme supported participants to learn new skills, improve their wellbeing and ultimately move into employment, education or training. Over the course of the evaluation, we interviewed over 360 vulnerable and disadvantaged participants, including unemployed and economically inactive individuals and groups.

As part of this evaluation, ERS also employed, trained and supported a number of peer evaluators (Ambassadors) to support the evaluation. The Ambassadors included an ex-offender, a lone parent and an individual with ongoing low level mental health issues. The ERS team provided mentoring and coaching support for the Ambassadors and supported them to develop a workplan of tasks that would match their own interests and support them in their career progression. The research team also supported Ambassadors to articulate their role as researchers to delivery partners, to understand their value and overcome day-to-day challenges.

One Ambassador recruited and supported by ERS was Leanne. As an ex-offender, she brought particular insights into the challenges faced by others in the same position. Her story, presented individually and to groups of potential beneficiaries, was inspiring and encouraged others to participate in programme activity. With our support and training, she engaged with 40 participants to hear their story, and these were included in evaluation reports as case study stories. She also undertook research into the wider offer for women leaving prison to help inform and improve practice.