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Evaluations

What Does an Evaluation Mean to Black Box?

At Black Box, evaluation is more than data collection - it is a rigorous, evidence-based process that helps organisations understand what works, why it works and how impact can be strengthened. We specialise in evaluating projects related to modern slavery, youth violence, exploitation, safeguarding and multi-agency interventions.

Our evaluations are grounded in real-world practice, academic research and over 700 modern slavery cases, giving us a deep understanding of how vulnerability, trauma and exploitation shape outcomes. We work closely with organisations to ensure programmes are effective, ethical and able to demonstrate meaningful, measurable impact.

Our Evaluation Department

Our evaluation work is led by Dr. Jack Pippard, who heads Black Box’s Evaluation Department.
He oversees the design, delivery and quality assurance of all evaluations, ensuring that every project is underpinned by:

  • Strong methodological design
  • Trauma-informed and youth-centred practices
  • Clear outcome frameworks
  • Robust analysis and practical recommendations

Jack specialises in mixed-methods evaluation, partnership analysis and the role of community engagement and sport in reducing youth violence.

Our Evaluation approach:

Our evaluations are:

  • Trauma-informed - sensitive to the experiences of participants and frontline staff
  • Context-driven - taking local demographics, challenges and assets into account
  • Collaborative - working closely with commissioners, partners and delivery teams
  • Methodologically rigorous - combining qualitative and quantitative data
  • Practical and actionable - providing clear, realistic recommendations
  • Ethical - prioritising safety, consent and cultural competence

We can evaluate small-scale pilots through to multi-year, system-wide programmes.

Types of Evaluation We Deliver:

Methods We Use

Our evaluations draw on a range of qualitative and quantitative methods, including:

  • Semi-structured interviews
  • Focus groups
  • Session and workshop observations
  • Surveys and outcome measurement tools
  • Social network analysis
  • Partnership and system mapping
  • Data visualisation and dashboard creation
  • Literature reviews and evidence synthesis

What Organisations Can Expect

We provide:

  • Clear evaluation plans, frameworks and timelines
  • Transparent methodology and ethical considerations
  • Regular updates and reflective feedback
  • A comprehensive evaluation report with practical recommendations
  • Data summaries, visualisations and case studies
  • Support with presenting findings to boards, funders or partners
  • We tailor every evaluation to the organisation’s needs, scale and objectives.

Examples of Our Evaluation Work

We have evaluated multi-agency programmes addressing youth violence, community safety, modern slavery and early intervention across the UK. Our evaluations have supported organisations to redesign delivery models, strengthen outcomes, enhance collaboration and secure further funding.

To learn more about our previous work and the outcomes we’ve supported, view our completed evaluations.

Commissioning an Evaluation

To discuss your evaluation needs, request a proposal or explore how we can support your programme, please contact our team.

Testimonials

"I have worked with the Black Box evaluation team on several projects. Each time, we have worked closely and collaboratively to determine what works and why, so that we can continue to develop programmes that bring about change in communities.  

Having worked with universities and researchers in the past, Black Box provides a uniqueness because of their ability to connect with professionals and people going through the Criminal Justice System. Their specialist approach to evaluation and research is strengthened because of their wide range of expertise and their direct understanding and knowledge of issues relating to County Lines, exploitation and vulnerability.

Working with the team has been very positive. Their approach has been supportive and pragmatic/solution-based; to find ways to collect data in order to create a more rounded and holistic picture of the communities and the projects being delivered.  
The researchers played a key role in shaping the work and delivery of Project Connect."

Joe Russo, Founder & CEO, Project Connect

"Black Box has done a number of evaluations of projects we have worked on. Their professionalism, curiosity and attention to detail stood out from early on. The team also cares, ensuring they gathered as much information as possible to support their evaluation via interviews with staff and participants on the projects. Black Box sat in on sessions to observe processes and would analyse data. 

On reviewing their evaluations, they paid particular attention to areas of improvement for our projects which, of course, we understand help improve outcomes.

It has been a pleasure to work with Black Box."

Carlus Grant, Programme Facilitator, Project Connect

"I have engaged with Black Box on several occasions and have always found their evaluation to be in-depth, probing and relevant.  

The team conduct thorough research into the project under review and identify areas of good practice and development which ensure improvements are made in the future.

Communication is always clear and agreed timescales met."

Jonathan Tapper, Detective Chief Inspector, Cleveland Police

Founded by Dr Grace Robinson in 2019.

OUR PRIMARY AIM IS TO SUPPORT VICTIMS AND INCREASE AWARENESS OF MODERN SLAVERY.