Museums and Heritage Highland (MHH) is seeking an experienced evaluator to work alongside us on ‘Pathways to the Future’, an ambitious two-year pilot project exploring a new shared-services model across eight independent rural museums in the Highlands.
This is an opportunity to contribute to a project that aims to strengthen the resilience, sustainability and long-term future of small museums while generating learning that could benefit the wider heritage sector.
Contract Value: Up to £10,000 (inclusive of VAT and expenses)
Contract Period: July 2026 – June 2028
Location: Primarily remote
Key Dates
Application Deadline: Wednesday 1 July 2026, 5pm
Interviews: Tuesday 7 July or Wednesday 8 July 2026
About Pathways to the Future
Pathways to the Future is a two-year pilot project, funded by Museums Galleries Scotland, testing whether a shared-services approach can help rural museums become more sustainable, efficient and resilient.
Working with eight independent museums, the project includes:
- Two shared Administrative Managers supporting museum clusters
- A Commercial & Sustainable Growth Manager working across all eight museums
- A Strategic Leadership Group
- Board development and wellbeing support
The project aims to increase earned income, reduce administrative pressures, strengthen governance and leadership, and develop a financially viable model that could continue beyond the pilot period.
We are looking for an evaluator who can provide independent insight, analysis and learning throughout the life of the project.
MHH will coordinate routine monitoring and data collection, allowing the Evaluation Partner to focus on assessing impact, analysing outcomes and identifying lessons for the future.
The successful applicant will:
- Co-develop a Theory of Change and evaluation framework
- Review baseline organisational and financial data
- Conduct a small number of stakeholder interviews
- Deliver a midpoint review
- Assess the sustainability and viability of the model
- Produce case studies and a final evaluation report
Applicants should demonstrate:
- Experience evaluating complex or multi-partner projects
- Experience assessing organisational change and financial sustainability
- Strong qualitative and quantitative analysis skills
- An ability to work proportionately with small organisations
- Excellent communication and report-writing skills
Experience within the heritage, culture or third sector is welcome but not essential.
Independent museums play a vital role in preserving local heritage, supporting tourism and strengthening communities, yet many face increasing pressures around capacity and sustainability. Pathways to the Future seeks to test a practical new approach that could help museums collaborate more effectively and build long-term resilience. The Evaluation Partner will play a key role in understanding what works, what doesn’t and what lessons can be shared across the sector.
How to Apply
Please submit:
- A proposal outlining your methodology and approach (maximum 10 pages)
- Examples of relevant experience
- A breakdown of proposed days and costs
- CV(s) of key personnel
Applications should be sent to nicola.henderson@museumsandheritagehighland.org.uk by 5pm on 1 July 2026.
Downdload the full tender below
ITT_evaluationpartner – Pathways_draft