Lauren's Changing Roles at Community Chesterfield

In March 2022, I started working for COMMuniTY CHESTERFIELD as an Impact and Evaluation Intern. My role was to produce a 360’ evaluation report, focusing on the impact of the project over the 3 years. To do this, some student volunteers and I obtained feedback via Zoom calls with those that have been involved in the project, including university staff, students, and community group workers. In addition, a wide variety of secondary data was explored, including survey responses, statistics and testimonials that have been accumulated along the way. The key objective behind the report was to understand the ‘big picture’ impact of the project and to provide evaluative recommendations for the future, based on the findings from the data analysis.

Once the report had been completed, and a summary video had been made, I was disheartened to think that my time at COMMuniTY CHESTERFIELD was coming to an end. After just 3 months of employment, I grew so fond of the organisation and its staff. However, to my surprise, I was offered the role of Project Officer, as the previous Project Officer, Viv, was leaving to become a teacher. Although I knew the role would be challenging, and that I had big shoes to fill as Viv was such a valued member of the team, I accepted without hesitation.

I’m really looking forward to starting my journey as Project Officer and to see how the project will develop in its second phase. Although it is clear that COMMuniTY CHESTERFIELD has already had a significant impact on the local Health and Social Care sector, I feel that we have just scratched the surface and I’m excited for what’s to come.

Please click this link if you would like to read the evaluation report or watch the summary video: https://www.communitychesterfield.org.uk/evaluations