Without Walls is a pioneer and trailblazer of exceptional outdoor art in the UK. They forge and spearhead a network of cultural organisations and festivals.
They work in partnership to commission, co-create, and share outdoor art with communities across the country, and ensure onward touring nationally and internationally.
They exist to innovate artistic approach, collaborative working, financial sustainability, and inclusive practice. Working with artists, producers, and presenting partners, we collectively enable the outdoor arts scene to realise its full potential and operate as a global leader in the industry.
ABOUT THE ROLE
Without Walls is seeking an independent consultant, or a consultancy company, to review their existing evaluation methodologies and support the design of a robust, organisation-wide evaluation framework for the period of their five-year plan (2027-2032).
The framework will enable them to capture the learning, successes and impact of their programmes; to inform strategic planning and organisational learning; and to demonstrate the value of outdoor arts to funders, partners and other stakeholders.
This is a short-term, strategic consultancy rather than a delivery or management role.
The appointed consultant will design the framework and tools. Without Walls is recruiting a permanent Evaluation and Data Manager to manage the framework on an ongoing basis. The key deliverable for this project is therefore that the framework can be handed over and operated by that post holder and the wider team.
The appointed consultant will work independently, in close collaboration with the Chief Executive and the Head of Festival Partnerships.
They are looking for an independent consultant, or a consultancy company, to deliver the following:
1. Review
A review of existing Without Walls evaluation materials, including current feedback forms, reports, data collection processes across festival partners, artists, participants and audiences, identifying strengths, gaps and duplication.
2. Evaluation Framework
A robust evaluation framework for measuring the reach, quality and impact of Without Walls’ programmes and activities, aligned to the objectives of the 2027-2032 strategic plan and to our theory of change.
A clear methodology setting out what is measured, how, by whom and at what points in the programme cycle.
3. Tools and Templates
A practical toolkit of template evaluation forms and feedback mechanisms for use with festival partners, artists, and participants.
Guidance enabling the templates and tools to be used consistently across the team.
4. Recommendations
Recommendations on our approach to audience data collection via Arts Council England’s Illuminate platform, including guidance on supporting partners and effectively demonstrating audience reach across the network.
Recommendations on the scope, skills and priorities of the permanent Evaluation and Data Manager role, to inform the post holder’s role and responsibilities.
5. Handover
A handover session with the Without Walls team to introduce the framework, tools and supporting guidance, ensuring the organisation can implement and sustain the approach independently.
PERSON SPECIFICATIONS
Essential
A strong track record of designing evaluation frameworks, ideally for publicly-funded cultural organisations.
Experience of both quantitative and qualitative evaluation methods, and of interpreting and presenting data to a range of audiences.
A practical, collaborative approach, and experience of designing frameworks that can be sustained in-house by small teams.
Ability to work independently and confidence working at a strategic level with senior leadership.
Strong written communication skills, including the ability to produce clear documents for a range of audiences.
Desirable
Familiarity with the outdoor arts, live events or broader cultural sector.
Knowledge of Arts Council England’s funding frameworks and NPO reporting requirements, including familiarity with the Illuminate platform.
Please visit Without Walls website https://withoutwalls.uk.com/we-are-recruiting-for-an-evaluation-consultant/ for more details of the role and how to apply. They are expecting applications from both freelancers and consultancy organisations.