PLACE LAB IS calling for proposals to evaluate the economic impact of ITS delivery

into the light PARTNER, PLACE LAB, IS looking for a researcher / evaluator with experience in quantitative analysis and an understanding of the cultural sector

Produced by Durham County Council alongside ‘home producer’ organisations, and in partnership with Into the Light, the project has aimed to develop hyper-local and creative spaces where communities drive decisions about their place and environment.

We want to know more about the impact this has had, taking a quantitative and economic-focused evaluation approach, complementing existing qualitative insights.

CALL FOR PROPOSALS

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CALL FOR PROPOSALS *

Find out more about Place Lab
Download the brief for proposals

The key details

We are inviting suitably qualified researchers and evaluation specialists to submit a proposal to undertake economic impact evaluation work as part of the ‘Into the Light’ Programme's PLACE Labs Evaluation. Details of the opportunity are outlined in the attached brief.

The appointed researcher will work alongside the Lead Evaluator to strengthen the programme's understanding of economic contribution, Gross Value Added (GVA), Social Return on Investment (SROI), value for money, and wider socio-economic impacts across five PLACE Labs sites.

THE COMMISSION INCLUDES:

  • Collection and analysis of economic and participation data.

  • Support for GVA and local economic impact modelling.

  • Development of SROI inputs and analysis.

  • Comparative assessment of economic and social value across PLACE Labs delivery models.

  • Contribution to evaluation reporting and the PLACE Labs Blueprint

CONTRACT DETAILS:

  • Delivery period: November 2026 – February 2027

  • Maximum budget: £9,500 inclusive of all expenses

  • Travel within County Durham may be required

 

Submission Deadline: 15 October 2026

Applications should be sent to audiencedevelopement@durham.gov.uk

If you have any questions regarding the commission, please contact the project team at audiencedevelopement@durham.gov.uk

Or for an informal chat, get in touch with Stephen Robson, Partnerships & Policy Officer (Culture and Tourism) at Durham County Council: stephen.robson@durham.gov.uk