Help shape Connected Futures: Call for Action Research, Evaluation, & Learning Partnerships

Apr 3, 2024

Youth Futures is seeking a number of partners to work alongside the Connected Futures partnerships as they enter a new phase of identifying issues, testing ideas and exploring potential solutions to achieve systems change in their place. 

We’re excited to announce a new phase for our Connected Futures partnerships. These local initiatives are working tirelessly to identify challenges faced by disadvantaged youth and explore innovative solutions. To achieve lasting systems change, we’re seeking a diverse group of partners to join Connected Futures on this journey.

Here’s how you can get involved:

  • Action Research Partners: Work alongside our local partnerships to develop their ideas, test solutions, and find what truly works for young people.
  • Evaluation Partners: Working with local partnerships to shape and support their thinking to understand & deliver systems change interventions
  • Learning Partner: Become a central hub for knowledge sharing and collaboration across all Connected Futures partnerships.
  • Producing guidance on carrying out Complex and Theory based evaluations, preceded by a literature review on that topic

We are seeking partners with:

  • Experience in conducting research with young people and a clear understanding of the power differentials involved and appropriate techniques to redress these
  • Strong experience in iterative, participatory action-oriented research
  • A good grounding in systems thinking and clear approaches to the monitoring and evaluation of systems change

Timeline and Deadlines:

We’re rolling out Calls for Proposals throughout April and May. Here are the provisional timelines for the proposals being published and the deadlines for applying (keep an eye on our website and social media for official announcements).

Action Research Partners:

    • South London – Applications now closed.
    • West London – Applications now closed.
    • North West England – Applications now closed.

Evaluation Partners:

    • Leeds: – Applications now closed.
    • Walsall: End of June – Early August.

Learning Partner

    • Proposal published 8th July – Apply now.
    • Proposal Q&A
    • Indication to submit a proposal – 31st July 2024 at 12pm
    • Deadline for submission of Proposals – 16th August 2024 at 12pm

Becoming a Youth Futures partner is an opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of young people. If you have the skills and passion to join us, we encourage you to visit our website (link to be added when Calls for Proposals are live) for further details and application instructions. For more information, contact Alice Kedge, Evidence and Evaluation Manager.

Together, we can create a future where all young people have the chance to thrive.

Please note:

  • We welcome single proposers and partnership proposers.
  • One single or partnership can submit proposals to any number of proposals but must do so separately and evidence their capacity and management capabilities to do so.
  • If you are part of a partnership for Connected Futures, then you are not eligible to submit a proposal due to a conflict of interest.
  • The local partnerships that we work with are places experiencing disadvantage, and young people that are from marginalised groups. Youth voice is central to Connected Futures so we expect proposers to evidence their experience of working with similar groups, in similar environments.
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