Freelance Evaluation Consultant

About QEST

The Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust is a charity that transforms the careers of talented and aspiring makers by funding their training and education, creating pathways to excellence and strengthening the future of the UK’s craft sector.

QEST has awarded £7.5 million to 900 individuals working across the UK in 130 different craft disciplines. From shoemaking to printmaking; leatherworking to enamelling, we embrace craft in all its many forms and are proud to contribute towards its evolving tradition. QEST funding has provided an essential turning point for many of our Alumni, and we continue to support them throughout their career, offering opportunities for exhibitions, collaborations and commissions through our extensive craft network.

Alongside individual giving, we are reaching out to communities across the UK where there are barriers to participating in craft activities or learning about creative careers. In collaboration with key partners, we are inspiring a new generation of makers by offering opportunities to develop hand skills, meet professional craftspeople, and explore careers in craft and making.

QEST was founded by the Royal Warrant Holders Association in 1990 to mark the 90th birthday of HM Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother.

HM the King is the Charity’s Patron.

The project

As QEST marks 36 years of championing master craftspeople and the intangible heritage craft skills they develop, Tradition in Transition: Youth Journeys Through Heritage Craft looks ahead; bridging gaps in access, knowledge, and careers for under-represented young people aged 16–25.

The project aims to:

• Expand inclusive access to heritage craft skills, training, and career opportunities for underrepresented youth.
• Build youth leadership through mentoring, co-creation, and intergenerational exchange.
• Strengthen the visibility and sustainability of heritage crafts through digital legacy and regional collaboration.

Across three strands the project will work with partner organisations across the UK to explore the traditional skills of local areas, and to support young people to take their first steps in acquiring skills for themselves to support crafts into the future.

• CraftLab – will deliver workshops with local businesses and master craftspeople, supporting young participants to document craft heritage in their area and share with their peers through a craft event.
• Craft Kickstarter – will support young people to take the first steps in gaining skills training or vital equipment, alongside mentoring from professionals and peers.
• Craft Traditions Library – will begin to build a digital library documenting craft skills for a young audience.

The brief

The consultant is required to:

• Develop an evaluation plan for all stands of the project in consultation with QEST’s project team and the project partners.
• Create relevant feedback forms, questionnaires or other means of gathering evidence for use by the project team and partners.
• Attend some project events to gather information first hand.
• Produce an interim report at the end of the first year and a final report upon completion of the project.
• Share the findings of the reports with the QEST Senior Leadership and Trustees, making recommendations for ensuring a strong legacy for the project.

The consultant should have:

• Experience of evaluating Heritage Fund projects from inception to completion.
• Experience of evaluating projects involving a wide range of audiences, particularly young people and those facing barriers to inclusion.
• A strong understanding of the principles of equality, diversity, inclusion and access.
• Public liability and professional indemnity insurance.

Fee and working arrangements

The fee covers up to 12 days over the course of project at £250 per day and includes VAT if applicable. Payment schedule to be agreed upon contract.

Work patterns must be flexible and adjustable to accommodate project deadlines and meetings. The consultant is expected to travel to partner organisations and be available to attend key events in the programme. Travel costs will be renumerated.

Current key project dates:

20 August 2026 – Sheffield – Taster Day

26 – 30 October 2026 – Sheffield – Craft Labs

Feb – March 2027 – Sleaford

May – July 2027 – Blackburn

July 2027 – Showcase Event – location tbc

How to apply

Tenders should take the form of a CV and short written proposal (maximum four sides of A4) setting out:

• What you would bring to the project - relevant skills, knowledge and experience.
• Details of recent relevant projects you have undertaken.
• Your thoughts on the key challenges for the project and how you might tackle them.
• Your proposed methodology.
• Details of two referees.
• A plan for how you will ensure the contract is completed in the event of unforeseen problems.

Please send your tender to [javascript protected email address] by 5pm on 24 July 2026. 

Interviews in week beginning 3 August – starting ideally September.

Further information

If you have any queries in advance of submitting your application, please contact Lala Thorpe, Education & Partnerships Manager – [javascript protected email address]

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

QEST believes that diversity of all kinds enriches its mission to support excellence and aspiration in craft and conservation. It is committed to achieving greater equity, diversity and inclusivity (EDI) across the organisation; its wider network and amongst those it supports and the wider British craft industry.

QEST’s Equity, Diversity and Inclusion statement

Safeguarding

We are committed to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of everyone involved in our organisation and the work we do. We believe that everyone, especially children, young people, and anyone in vulnerable circumstances, has the right to be kept safe from harm, abuse, and exploitation.

QEST’s Safeguarding statement

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The details of this position, including job description, requirements, fees and contact information are provided by The Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust. While NSEAD strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information regarding job openings, we make no guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of information provided by third parties. We are not responsible for any errors or omissions in the data provided by the third party. Please verify all details directly with the hiring organisation before making any decisions.