Neighbourhood Houses Victoria, Social Outcomes Focused Learning and Development Project, Impact Evaluation Report

This report presents the findings of research conducted by Neighbourhood Houses Victoria (NHVic) and Deakin University on the impact of the two-year Social Outcomes Learning and Development Project (SOLDP) conducted by NHVic between 2017 and 2019. The SOLDP was funded by three philanthropic organisations – The Lord Mayor’s Charitable Foundation, RE Ross Trust and Gandel Philanthropy. The report concludes the three phases of the SOLDP . The SOLDP centred on the delivery of professional learning and development in governance and community development, both of which are integral to the everyday practice and operations of Neighbourhood Houses. The project aimed to: • Build individual and collective knowledge, skills and capacities to improve governance practices and developing mentorship and learning to sustain effective governance. • Augment knowledge and skills in community development and support the application of community development practices and processes within Neighbourhood Houses and with their communities. In late 2017, NHVic commissioned an experienced team in adult, vocational and professional learning from the School of Education at Deakin University led by Dr Tracey Ollis to undertake the Program Monitoring and Evaluation component of the SOLDP. The complete SOLDP consisted of three distinct phases: • Phase One, a series of 21 professional development workshops curated and delivered by NHVic during 2019. • Phase Two, a research study undertaken by Deakin University, which included 17 case studies of exemplar community development and governance projects in Neighbourhood Houses across Victoria, and a comprehensive Literature Review. • Phase Three, impact evaluation of the 21 professional development workshops undertaken by NHVic and Deakin University.