Independent Evaluation for Social Impact Bond

North Somerset Council is a high performing unitary authority. Overall the area we serve is a prosperous one with great potential for growth but there are also significant pockets of real deprivation. The Council benefits from a strong political commitment to innovation and has ambitious plans to improve the lives of local people and achieve better outcomes for children and families. We share with many areas the challenge of a significant number of children in care, and a range of related social problems characteristic of coastal communities. Our profile of looked after children indicates that we have a high proportion looked after under voluntary arrangements (i.e. under section 20 of the Children Act 1989) particularly in the 10 - 17 years age range. It is well documented that outcomes for children and young people looked after are not generally as favourable as the wider population. In response the Council has commissioned an intensive family support service through a Social Impact Bond (SIB) investment model that aims to 'turn the tide' on these poor outcomes for vulnerable families. This contract has appointed an Independent Evaluator to assess the success of the Turning the Tide SIB.