Thriving Communities Programme Evaluation
Client Context
Oldham Metropolitan Borough Council and its partners through the Oldham Cares Partnership launched the Thriving Communities Programme, a £2.69m system-wide initiative designed to reduce reliance on high-cost public services by strengthening community-led prevention and intervention. The programme sought to tackle social isolation, mental and physical wellbeing and wider social determinants of health through a place-based, partnership-driven approach involving local government, health and the voluntary sector.
Our Approach
Working across a complex multi-agency landscape, Human Engine was commissioned to evaluate the programme’s impact, return on investment and effectiveness of delivery. Our process included:
Stakeholder Engagement: We conducted over 100 engagement sessions with stakeholders, including local government leaders, NHS commissioners, frontline health professionals, VCFSE sector partners, housing associations, police and community organisations. This enabled us to understand cross-sector motivations, challenges and success factors.
Data Analysis: Our evaluation incorporated a complex analysis of over 75,000 quantitative data points to assess programme outcomes and effectiveness. We also applied the ONS4 wellbeing methodology to measure changes in life satisfaction, happiness and community resilience among service users.
Social Return on Investment (SROI): We developed a robust impact assessment framework to quantify the economic, social and financial benefits of community interventions.
Evidence-Based Recommendations: Our findings led to an eight-point set of conclusions and recommendations, tailored for different system partners, including OMBC, the local VCFSE sector and public sector system leaders.
Outputs and Outcomes
Our evaluation demonstrated the tangible impact of the Thriving Communities Programme, providing an evidence base for securing future investment.
Key outcomes included:
1. Community-led interventions supported thousands of residents, improving resilience and reducing reliance on statutory services.
2. Wellbeing measures showed significant positive changes, with participants reporting increased confidence, social connection and mental wellbeing.
3. Developed a measurable ROI on preventative interventions such as befriending schemes, mental health support and employment initiatives by calculating the deflected cost from higher levels of social care, mental health and benefits.
4. The programme’s success informed strategic funding decisions, ensuring the sustainability of place-based community approaches.
Client Feedback
"Human Engine were an excellent partner to work with. They were mindful of, and flexible to, the expectations of a range of senior stakeholders. They always had a professional approach to their work, and with the large number and range of local stakeholders engaged. The final reports were well presented and clear."
Thriving Communities Programme Lead
About Us
Human Engine is a leading management consultancy with specialisms in strategy, transformation, digital, commercial, procurement and projects.
Founded in 2018, we have partnered with more than 50 local authorities, central government, NHS organisations and national charities to help transform their strategies, operations and cultures.
Our mission is to help individuals and organisations to do the best work of their lives. We do this by blending first-hand, practical experience of the problems we help our clients solve with award-winning consulting expertise and an approach based on trust, collaboration and partnership.