Inspire East published its second evaluation in January 2008. The report shows "increased momentum and impressive levels of activity, which are attracting significant numbers of people as participants in events and users of the Inspire East website". Importantly, the report is also highlighting "the views of regional stakeholders that Inspire East is establishing its reputation as 'an organisation we can work with'".

Respondents remain confident that Inspire East will make a significant contribution to promoting better physical and community development within the region. Identified organisational benefits from using Inspire East services have increased since the first evaluation in 2006. The principal benefits are 'better understanding of sustainable communities' and 'greater awareness of information sources'. The key personal benefits (also increased since 2006) are 'knowledge sharing through networking' and 'greater awareness of policy and research'. Satisfaction levels with Inspire East events are very high with nine in ten delegates rating them as 'very useful' or 'useful' and virtually all delegates regarding them as well organised.

The report concludes that increasing future impact will be dependent on strengthening Inspire East's influencing and advocacy roles. This will require stronger targeting and a greater focus on key issues for the region and activities that will have a significant impact. There is scope for Inspire East to develop a 'think tank' and advocacy role.

A number of performance issues have been identified for attention.

• further strengthening of marketing activity including the development of customer intelligence
• feedback from events is good but there is a need to continually evolve the programme to ensure we are addressing customer needs
• content of the website should be reviewed to ensure staff time is focused on those aspects that are most valued by customers
• a more proactive approach is needed to sourcing projects for the Design Review process
• maximising Inspire East's value by balancing the need to deliver outputs and outcomes

All of these issues are discussed in more detail in the Inspire East Evaluation 2007 report.

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