Strategic College Improvement Fund (SCIF) Pilot: Process Evaluation

This document describes an evaluation of the Strategic College Improvement Fund (SCIF) program, designed to enhance teaching and learning in further education colleges through partnerships and funding. The evaluation used interviews with stakeholders from participating and non-participating colleges to assess the program's design, implementation, and outcomes. Results showed positive perceptions of the SCIF's role in improving teaching quality and fostering effective partnerships, with noted improvements in staff development, student engagement, and attainment in key subjects. However, challenges such as delays, sustainability concerns, and difficulties in measuring performance within the pilot's timeframe were identified. Recommendations for future iterations include clearer application guidance, extended planning periods, and consideration of partner colleges' capacities. The SCIF pilot demonstrated early impacts on college strategies, policies, and practices, but requires careful resource management and a focus on measurable outcomes for long-term success. **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: Department for Education (DfE)
• Evaluation stage: A complete evaluation report
• Other departments: No other departments listed
• Evaluation types: Process evaluation
• Process methods: Focus groups or group interviews; Individual interviews
• 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: June 2019

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