Guardian's Legacies of Enslavement Programme Implements Rigorous Impact Evaluation Framework
As a restorative justice initiative, the Legacies of Enslavement programme has prioritised the establishment of a clear and comprehensive framework for gathering data and evaluating its impact. This strategic move ensures that the programme's efforts are systematically monitored and aligned with its core objectives of atonement and repair.
Data Collection and Community Engagement Systems
To safeguard the integrity of its mission, the programme has implemented robust systems designed to analyse and protect the feedback and insights obtained through extensive engagement work. These systems are crucial for sharing valuable information back with descendant communities, fostering transparency and trust. The programme will track its impact using data sourced from community feedback and annual surveys, meticulously mapping this information against predefined programme goals and indicators.
Programme Goals and Measurable Indicators
The programme's plan outlines specific goals, objectives, and example indicators that will be used to measure success. Progress against these metrics will be reported annually in a detailed report, providing accountability and insight into the initiative's effectiveness.
Goal 1: Contribute to Realising Repair for Descendant Communities
This goal focuses on addressing the needs of communities linked to the Guardian's founders. Example indicators include:
- Community members in Success and Gurney's Mount villages reporting improvements in access and quality of education and skills training.
- Gullah Geechee and other descendant community members indicating enhanced access to support or resources for managing land-related issues.
Goal 2: Support Reparatory Justice and Truth-Telling Efforts
This objective aims to promote awareness and action on transatlantic enslavement legacies. Example indicators encompass:
- Full publication of all independent academic research commissioned by the programme.
- Agreement on at least three significant educational, heritage, or cultural partnerships to increase awareness of Britain's involvement in transatlantic enslavement.
- Evidence of increased Guardian journalism coverage of underreported regions and descendant communities affected by enslavement.
- Creation of new opportunities for entry-level and mid-career journalists from underrepresented groups.
Community as Ultimate Arbiter of Success
Ultimately, the descendant communities partnered with the programme will serve as the final judges of its success. Only these communities can determine whether the programme's work has effectively contributed to atoning for the Guardian's historical ties to enslavement by the end of the 10-year project. This community-centric approach underscores the programme's commitment to genuine restorative justice and meaningful reparatory outcomes.
