Matrix Insight

In conjunction with Howarth Consulting Ireland, Matrix was commissioned to evaluate 192 community drug projects funded through the Irish National Drug Strategy Team (NDST) local task forces. The evaluation comprised three streams: a self assessment exercise to evaluate the performance of the projects against the objectives of the NDST; a rapid evidence assessment, to develop an evidence base on effective community drug interventions; and a self assessment exercise across all pilots to assess their competencies and plans relating to: client need and assessment processes, management processes and systems, the use of effective interventions, their case management, review and disengagement systems and their models of partnership working. Of the 192, 30 sites demonstrating excellent or poor practice were visited to develop an in depth model of best practice. The evidence from these three stages was presented to the NDST to inform the formation of their new national drug strategy and future service design. The results were also presented to existing projects in a series of four learning workshops to provide service the opportunity to share their own best practice.

In June 2007 Matrix Insight was commissioned by the Care Services Improvement Partnership (CSIP) to undertake a comprehensive evaluation of the Adults Facing Chronic Exclusion (ACE) programme. The programme has its origins in the Social Exclusion Task Force’s report, Reaching Out, An Action Plan for Social Exclusion (2006). That report recommended the establishment of 12 pilot sites to test the effectiveness of alternative approaches to improving outcomes for people with chaotic lives or multiple needs – in other words, adults facing social exclusion. The programme is an inter-government initiative involving the Departments of Health, Communities and Local Government, Work and Pensions and the Home Office.

The evaluation of the project was commissioned by the CSIP and comprises three strands of work:

• a process evaluation of the 12 pilots located across England;
• an impact evaluation; and
• an economic evaluation.

Much of the data for the impact and economic evaluation are collected from individuals with whom the pilots are working via a questionnaire completed by the project workers. The data are then entered into an on-line database (called ACE Hub) that has been developed by Matrix Decisions.

In 2008, Matrix was commissioned by the Department of Communities and Local Government, the Care Services Improvement Partnership and the Housing Corporation to develop best practice models of how regional and sub-regional partnerships developed facilities and services for “Supporting People” clients. A series of regional events were held with partners from local authorities, government offices, regional development agencies and local and regional NHS organisations. Delegates were invited to give examples of best practice throughout their areas and this was collated into a series of guidance recommendations to be circulated to commissioners throughout these organisations.

In 2008, Matrix was commissioned by the PEF to undertake research on young people not in education, employment or training (NEET). The PEF have committed to working with young people with the goal of enabling them to participate in the world of learning and work and reach their full potential. Drawing on an international evidence base, the research identified how PEF could target its support to make the greatest impact. Following a Rapid Evidence Assessment (REA) of published global literature, and an interview programme with recognised academic and third sector subject experts, a typology of ‘NEET’ young people was developed to inform future service funding. Further to this, a second stage of the REA was conducted to map the evidence of effectiveness in interventions for ‘NEET’ youth and to make recommendations based on those findings.

Matrix Insight and Horwath Consulting Ireland were commissioned to undertake a value for money study of the Young People’s Facilities and Services Fund (YPFSF). The aim of the review was to analyse what has been achieved by public expenditure under the fund and to inform future policy making regarding continuity, development and possible expansion. The review examined the structures, effectiveness, efficiency and value for money components of the YPFSF. A series of consultations were undertaken within the department and with other funding streams. In addition, a series of site visits were completed of the more recent capital projects and quantitative analysis was undertaken to compare trends in youth crime and school attendance, and to provide preliminary unit cost estimates for YPFSF funded schemes. Finally, a value for money analysis was conducted to evaluate the ‘effectiveness’ of the fund and the interventions being provided and the unit cost of the YPFSF funded projects.