Evaluation review of the british council’s newton fund programmes gender equality approach
about.
The Newton Fund, managed by the UK’s Department of Business, Energy, and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), aimed to support partner countries' economic development, social welfare, and research and innovation capacity for long-term sustainable growth.
As one of the seven UK Delivery Partners, the British Council has managed the Newton Fund on behalf of BEIS since 2014.
objectives.
To retrospectively assess the British Council's Newton Fund programme's approach and impact on gender equality from 2014 to 2022.
To evaluate the overall gender equality approach of the Newton Fund programme activities, delivered by the British Council in 16 countries over the previous seven years. The evaluation aimed to enhance programme design and delivery for future Science and Innovation programmes.
To understand the extent to which the Newton Fund Programme has incorporated gender and inclusion into its design, implementation, and monitoring and how effective these efforts have been in promoting gender equality outcomes.
methodology.
The evaluation utilised an Analytical Tool, co-created with British Council staff, to assess the Newton Fund programme's approach to gender equality across its grant process. The tool, which incorporated standards from various external gender frameworks, served as an evidence-based benchmark for evaluation and guidance for future programming. Complementary methodologies included desk reviews, key informant interviews, and case study investigations.
The project delivered an evaluative report on the gender equality approach of the Newton Fund programme activities. The report included recommendations for enhancing the programme design and delivery for future Science and Innovation programmes.
outputs.
Analytical Tool
A tool co-created with the British Council staff, based on the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology framework, provided an evidence-based benchmark for assessing the Newton Fund programme's approach to gender equality and offered guidance for the British Council to align its gender equality ambitions with its future science programmes.
Evaluation Report
Detailed findings and recommendations to inform a more effective and inclusive approach to gender equality in future science and innovation programmes managed by the British Council.
Interactive Presentation
The Consultant Team presented the evaluation findings and recommendations to the British Council's Gender Community of Practice, fostering an interactive dialogue around strategies to improve gender equality and inclusivity in future programmes.
The project contributed to the British Council's understanding of integrating gender equality more effectively into their programmes.
This information informed the design and delivery of future Science and Innovation programmes, supporting more inclusive international collaboration between the UK and partner countries.
