evaluation
Evidence type: Evaluation i
Information about the programme design and rationale
Evidence about Financial Capability outcomes for programme participants
Evidence that the Financial Capability outcomes were caused by the programme
Evidence about programme implementation, feasibility, and piloting
Evidence about relative costs and benefits of the programme
Your Money Garden is a project that provides financial capability education training to women living on low incomes across Belfast, Newtownabbey and surrounding areas in Northern Ireland. The training is delivered to existing community groups across a series of workshops and aims to address gaps in knowledge around finances.
The training helps participants to develop their money management, budgeting and practical skills so that they may increase their level of financial knowledge and economic activity. 73 women participated in the project during the evaluation period. There were three key aims:
This is one of four schemes within the RBS Innovate Scheme identified for evaluation, using criteria of size, remit, population served and geographical location.
The focus of this evaluation is on establishing what works (summative evaluation) and how the service can be improved (formative / process evaluation). Quantitative data collection was carried out via two surveys: one on financial capability before and after the course and one on course satisfaction at two separate points in the programme. Qualitative methods were used to discuss progress with participants three months after the course. Case studies were collected to illustrate the impact of the course on participants’ lives.
53% of participants provided feedback on satisfaction levels. Respondents reported an average of 92% satisfaction with the overall course.
Financial capability (ability): 46% of the participants provided feedback on this aspect. Financial capability was measured using eight indicators of motivation, confidence, knowledge and skills. These were self-reported and captured before and three months after the course, using a five-point scale.
The model of delivery is judged as representing a good balance between engaging participants and ensuring that the course delivers the necessary learning, though using paper-based evaluation tools posed difficulties for some participants due to low literacy levels. Key strengths of the model highlighted are:
Planting the seed: Your Money Garden financial education project - full report
Planting the seed: Your Money Garden financial education project - full report
Evaluation and Policy Manager, Toynbee Hall http://www.toynbeehall.org.uk