University of Oxford, Department of Continuing Education, UK

In 2013, Oxford Oracle was commissioned to assess the impacts of Archeox, a major community-based archaeology project in East Oxford led by the University of Oxford and largely funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF).

Using qualitative and quantitative research techniques, Oxford Oracle analysed the degree to which Archeox achieved the objectives set by HLF, interviewed key stakeholders, the local authorities, and conducted a survey of over 300 volunteers to gather impact data. In 2013, Oxford Oracle was commissioned to assess the impacts of Archeox, a major community-based archaeology project in East Oxford led by the University of Oxford and largely funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF). Using rigorous qualitative and quantitative research techniques, Oxford Oracle analysed the degree to which Archeox achieved the objectives set by HLF. Oxford Oracle interviewed key stakeholders (e.g. Local authorities) and then conducted a survey of over 300 volunteers to gather impact data. Oxford Oracle's research, presented in report format, found that Archeox had significant positive impacts on participants. Oxford Oracle then used the results to write a Research Excellence Framework (Research Excellence Framework (REF) (The Research Excellence Framework (REF) is the UKs system for assessing the excellence of research in higher education institutions) case study that will allow the University of Oxford to demonstrate to the Higher Education Funding Council for England (Research England) the effectiveness of this project in creating impact.

Oxford Oracles research found that Archeox had significant positive impacts on its participants. The results were then used to write a Research Excellence Framework case study that allowed the University of Oxford to demonstrate to the Higher Education Funding Council for England (Research England) the effectiveness of this project in creating impact.