Starting from Values: Evaluating Intangible Legacies Project report

This report presents the findings from an AHRC funded project. We aimed to co-develop and co-explore how a values-focused approach could help conceptualise and evaluate less ‘tangible' legacies of collaborative research projects funded through the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) Connected Communities programme. In doing so, we aimed to help legitimise ways of knowing that are often marginalised by conventional evaluations, and in doing so, reflect the broader legacies of project partners and participants. We found that a values-based approach to understanding the legacies of community-engaged research can: • Unearth ‘new' legacies and a deeper understanding of ‘known' legacies • Enhance existing legacies • Create confidence to articulate broader and deeper aspects of legacies • Enhance collaborative working within partnerships The project led to additional benefits for community partners: energising key members of staff and articulating the values of their own organisations. This has also led to being better equipped to negotiate their role in future partnership work. The project has also inspired partners to develop new projects with values approaches at the heart of design and delivery, and led to new research ideas and practices.