From 2017 to 2020 Iconic evaluated the implementation and impact of Elevate-Glasgow Public Social Partnership (PSP).Led by Glasgow Council on Alcohol (GCA), the Partnership assisted Glasgow residents recovering from drug and alcohol misuse to enhance their employability.

Initially we worked closely with the project team to review and revise the monitoring process including developing a combined assessment and personal progression measurement tool. Throughout the evaluation we conducted depth interviews with key partners including GCA, NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde (the main funder), Turning Point Scotland, Move On, Phoenix Futures, Jobs & Business Glasgow, Volunteer Glasgow, and SAMH. An annual online assessment gathered feedback from a wider range of partners which allowed us to track change over time. Regular face-to-face consultation with participants provided great insight into their circumstances, the support received from Elevate, and the difference it had made to their lives. We also analysed data on participant numbers and characteristics, as well as training, qualifications, volunteering, work placement, and job outcomes. As a formative evaluation, we submitted annual evaluation reports providing learning as the PSP progressed and our findings helped inform changes to the governance structures and service user involvement. We also presented our annual findings to the Steering Group and at networking events for partners.

Overall, we established that Elevate had been a success, both strategically and operationally. The provision of person-centred support to approximately 650 people in recovery bridged a gap between recovery-orientated support and employability support. Over a fifth of participants entered employment and improvements were evident in softer outcomes such as self-confidence, skills, health and wellbeing, and relationships. The Partnership delivered value for money measured in terms of cost per participant and cost per job compared to other employability programmes working with disadvantaged groups. It also had a valuable preventative role in helping participants sustain their recovery. There were also significant findings on the application of the innovative PSP model particularly around partnership working and sustainability.

“I would absolutely recommend Iconic. I have had the pleasure of working with them over the last three years as they carried out an extensive, independent evaluation of Elevate-Glasgow PSP. Iconic were able to very quickly get involved and understand the background, personalities and dynamics in the partnership. They were able to independently evaluate the service and in each year’s report were recommendations that, when we took them on board, really enhanced the service.

I would also like to highlight that Ian is a true professional who has a lovely manner with people. He was able to engage with all our stakeholders in a meaningful manner, this was especially true with our participants. He was able to show empathy and understanding that allowed people to feel they could trust him to be really honest about their experiences with the service”.

Lesley Ross, Partnership Manager, Elevate-Glasgow PSP & Recovery Employability Service.