Evaluation of the International Citizen Service: Phase 1 Report and DFID Management Response

This document summarizes evaluations of the International Citizen Service (ICS) Programme, which aims to engage young UK and developing country volunteers in projects that benefit impoverished communities and promote personal growth. The evaluations, conducted by various entities including Ecorys and using methods such as theory-based approaches, contribution analysis, and triangulation of evidence from surveys, case studies, and financial data, have found that the programme has positive outcomes for volunteer development, partner organization capacity building, and community engagement. However, there are areas for improvement, such as volunteer preparation, inclusion, and strategic partner involvement. The program is generally seen as effective, with recommendations for future enhancements to ensure long-term development outcomes. The evaluations also focus on the program's value for money, its broader impact, and the need for ongoing refinement to enhance volunteer experience and program outcomes. The ICS Programme is managed by a consortium led by VSO and is in its first phase of evaluation, with a second phase planned to assess long-term effects and cost-effectiveness. **This summary was written by an AI model and therefore should not be considered a definitive summary of the report. If you are aware of inaccuracies, please email evaluation.registry@cabinetoffice.gov.uk.**

Description

• Lead department: Closed organisation: Department for International Development
• Evaluation stage: A complete evaluation report
• Other departments: No other departments listed
• Evaluation types: Value for money evaluation; Impact evaluation
• Impact methods: Quasi-experimental method
• Quasi-experimental methods: Difference-in-difference
• Value for money methods: Other
• Grant information: This intervention is not distributing funding via a grant
• Government Major Project information: This intervention is not a major project
• Policies: No policies provided

Event Dates

• Event Name: Publication of final results
• Event date: December 2013

Evaluation Costs

• Cost: Not provided

Evaluation sharing

• Link(s) to published report(s): Yes
• Links to evaluation plans: No link provided
• Findings: Not provided
• Permission to share confirmed: Yes