Case study:
Evaluation of National Lottery Heritage Innovation funded training
Evaluation of National Lottery Heritage Innovation funded specialist equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) training
Client: National Library of Scotland
Context: The National Library of Scotland (NLS) was awarded funding from The National Lottery Heritage Innovation Fund for the Test phase of the Scottish heritage Workforce Challenge project to help diversify the heritage workforce in Scotland. Specialist Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) training and support was provided for managers and HR professionals to better recruit, support and retain marginalised workers and develop managerial confidence, attitude, awareness and skills. The specialist training was tailored to three cohorts: the Library Leadership Team (LLT), managers (including LLT) and HR professionals from NLS and other heritage organisations in Scotland. This project was in collaboration with Amanda Heenan of Arc of Inclusion, an expert in equality, diversity and inclusion.
Challenge: Our independent evaluation had to assess the impact of the training on each cohort’s EDI knowledge, attitudes, confidence and readiness to engage with EDI issues using cohort-specific learning and development indicators.
Our work and approach: The Hallmark of Inclusion methodology formed the basis for a structured evaluation framework.
Quantitative and qualitative data was gathered via baseline and follow-up surveys and semi-structured interviews. Together with additional data sources, for example training uptake amongst different cohorts, this allowed us to gain rich insights across the cohorts.
Impact: Our evaluation led to recommendations for replicating the EDI training in other heritage organisations and for next steps in NLS on their EDI journey.
“
Amanda and Catherine carried out an independent evaluation of specialist EDI (equality, diversity and inclusion) training delivered by the National Library of Scotland (NLS). The Library was awarded funding from The National Lottery Heritage Innovation Fund for this EDI project. The training was delivered to senior and line managers within NLS, and HR staff both within NLS and across the heritage sector.
Amanda and Catherine brought an in-depth understanding of this complex type of EDI work that aims to make a meaningful impact by increasing people’s EDI awareness, confidence and skills. They also have a proven understanding of EDI challenges in the heritage sector.
I found Amanda and Catherine easy to work with, supportive and well-organised.
They used a structured evaluation framework based on the Hallmark of Inclusion methodology and their evaluation report was well-structured and impactful."
Ellie Muniandy, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Officer, National Library of Scotland