Evaluation Reports

This is the final report of the evaluation of the Alexi Project 'Hub and Spoke' model. Sixteen specialist voluntary sector CSE services were funded to expand into 35 new local authority areas over the three years of the evaluation. Using a realist evaluation design, this longitudinal research developed and tested a range of theories about the impact of the model on improving safeguarding for children and young people affected by CSE. The conclusions will support ongoing learning, and contribute to the evidence base on  effective service responses to CSE. In particular, the report provides insight into the distinct contribution and value that specialist voluntary sector support services bring to this arena, operating within the complex, multi-agency landscape of services that respond to this issue.

This report summarises the activities of the three Hub services participating in phase one of the evaluation. Lessons for phase two services are highlighted, as well as early messages on how effective the Hub and Spoke model is at achieving the CSEFA's strategic objectives. 

In year two of the evaluation the research team visited eight Hub and Spoke services, interviewed 97 participants and collected data about the numbers of young people and practitioners worked with. This report summarises some of the key emerging findings in relation to the aims of services, the recruitment and support of Spoke workers, methods and techniques used in Hub and Spoke projects, experiences of and impact on local CSE policy development, and outcomes of Hub and Spoke services for young people. A particular focus is on young people’s participation in CSE services, and identifying the different models and techniques used by services to support this. The report particularly aims to share learning with the eight new Hub and Spoke services about to begin work in January 2016.