Nature Restoration Fund (NRF) interim evaluation

Description

The Scottish Government (SG), on behalf of the Scottish Ministers, wishes to commission research that will conclude an interim evaluation of the Nature Restoration Fund (NRF). This research is being commissioned to understand the NRF in terms of outputs and outcomes that it has achieved so far, and how these relate to broader policy priorities and desired impacts in the area of biodiversity, including those in the Scottish Biodiversity Strategy (SBS). The primary aim of this research is to utilise an existing logic modelling framework as the basis for collating, cleaning, analysing and reporting from data on NRF inputs, activities, outputs and outcomes for the purpose of an interim evaluation of the Nature Restoration Fund from its launch in 2021 to 31 Mar 2024. Objectives and scope The specific objectives of this research are: Undertake a robust, objective evaluation of the Competitive Strand of NRF utilising an existing logic model, indicators list, data to be supplied by the Scottish Government/NatureScot and any other data to be collected by the contractor. Undertake a robust, objective evaluation of the Edinburgh Process strand of NRF utilising existing logic model, indicators list, and data to be supplied by Scottish Government, and any other data to be collected by the contractor. Consider value for money of NRF funding and suggest a potential approach to add value of money component in the evaluation. Report on the evaluation of both strands with outputs as described in Section 6 – Outputs and Key Deliverables. Undertake analysis and reporting of data related to Nature Network-specific funding to provide a baseline which future funding could be assessed against, for inclusion in the report set out in Section 6 – Outputs and Key Deliverables.