“I wanted to thank you for your work on
the evaluation of the West Cumbria Works Community Project in Cleator Moor. At all times you delivered outstanding customer service, really
listening to our requests and translating what we wanted in a very
understandable way. Social Return on Investment is on the face of it pretty
simple, that is until you come to explain the methodology! You made everything
very clear.
As I previously discussed with you,
there was another aim in getting you to work with us. My colleague, Emma
Williamson, is new to this field of work and the idea was to enable her to take
an empirical view of future projects and really get her head around the “new
world”. It has been a pleasure for me to see the enthusiasm that Emma has shown
in taking pride from the evaluation you completed, particularly on her behalf.
Emma is a strong, natural leader but any leader needs support. You very clearly
explained the process, breaking down any potential worries. You explained your
methodology clearly and speedily got on with what you had to do. You were not a “stern auditor” but at the
same time delivered the objectivity and “empirical data” we needed. My
belief is that evaluations should be done as if a “critical friend” and you achieved
the right balance.
In terms of the outcome: we could not
be more pleased. You have produced a quality report which clearly demonstrates
the social return Emma and the team achieved. We are now able to show to our
network the exemplar that we intend to use as our future way of delivering
projects. Without the work you did, we
would not be able to capture the “hearts and minds” of business people and
funders. Well, of course we could but you have made it easier! Finally, my thanks to you for meeting
our deadline, which of course was the usual tight one! You delivered on time which was very important to us.
I will have no hesitation in using
Lynchpin again.”
Andy Semple, Senior Sustainability Manager,
Mace
