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Mid-term evaluation (MTE) of the Objective 2 Programme is a requirement under EC regulations. The purpose of the MTE, undertaken in 2003, was to examine the initial results of the programme against the objectives and targets specified in the Single Programming Document (SPD), test the continued relevance of the strategy set out in the SPD and propose any adjustments needed to improve programme quality and performance.

Final Report Published
The final version of the East of England Objective 2 Programme Mid-Term Evaluation has been published by consultants CSES.

A full copy of the report can be obtained from this site (see Related Documents).

Also available is the partnership policy response to the report.

Mid-term Evaluation Background

1. Mid-term evaluation of the 2000-2006 Objective Two programmes was a requirement under Article 42 of Council Regulation (EC) No1260/99. The Mid-term evaluation aimed to establish how well the programme was delivering what it set out to deliver; test the continued relevance of programme strategy and recommend actions necessary to improve programme quality and performance.

2. The mid-term evaluation was also used to inform decisions about the programme performance reserve (see Article 44 of Council Regulation 1260/99) and subsequent delivery of the programme and will contribute to the development of future policy and post 2006 considerations.

3. Those with an interest in mid-term evaluation included, local partners, the Regional Development Agency, the EC and UK Government Departments. The evaluation was managed by an Evaluation Steering Group (ESG), which represented all these interests. The ESG reported to the Programme Monitoring Committee (Structural Funds Strategy Group in the East of England).

4. The Mid-term evaluation was designed and carried out in accordance with best practice and account was taken of guidance available from the EC and from UK Government.

Objectives

The mid-term evaluation was required to:

i. comment on whether and to what extent the programme strategy as set out in the Single Programming Document (SPD) and Programme Complement was still relevant to the socio-economic circumstances of the area and was consistent with other strategies for the region;

ii. establish the progress which the programme was making toward achieving its objectives as set out in the SPD and Programme Complement;

iii. assess the quality and effectiveness of the programme's implementation and management including the identification of any weaknesses in monitoring systems and make recommendations for improvement;

iv. examine and report on the results achieved for the indicators used for the performance reserve.

Terms of Reference
Terms of reference for the mid-term evaluation are available using the link below.

Contract
The contract for the East of England Objective 2 Mid-Term Evaluation was awarded to Centre for Strategy and Evaluation Services (CSES) on 12th July 2002.

Mid Term Evaluation

Related documents

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