As part of our 35 year anniversary, BRAG commissioned an evaluation report that highlights our significant impact on the local community. Conducted by the Social Value Lab, the evaluation underscores BRAG’s success in addressing unemployment, fostering entrepreneurship, and supporting local businesses, all while providing vital community services.
Over the past three years, BRAG has made impressive strides in its core areas of service. The report reveals that BRAG has successfully helped 520 individuals secure employment, while 431 people have transitioned into self-employment through BRAG’s Employability Services. These figures demonstrate the organisation’s effectiveness in equipping individuals with the skills and confidence needed to achieve long-term employment success.
BRAG’s influence extends beyond employment. As a landlord, BRAG has been instrumental in supporting local businesses by providing affordable enterprise spaces. The report highlights that 100% of BRAG tenants find the space good value for money, with many benefiting from the strong sense of community and networking opportunities within BRAG centres. This communal environment has been credited with fostering business growth and facilitating valuable referrals among tenants.
The evaluation also focuses on BRAG’s community services, which have been pivotal in combating social isolation and improving both mental and physical well-being among service users. The BRAG Food Pantry, in particular, has been praised for its role in reducing the stigma of poverty and ensuring access to affordable food.
BRAG’s work as a community partner has also been recognised. Key stakeholders have acknowledged the organisation’s role as an "honest broker" between the community and other service providers, particularly through its leadership of the Fife Employability and Training Consortium (Fife ETC). BRAG’s ability to collaborate effectively with various organisations has solidified its reputation as a trusted partner in the third sector.
However, the evaluation also highlighted areas where BRAG could improve, particularly in extending services for young people and addressing the entrenched issues of unemployment and poverty in Fife. The report calls for targeted interventions to tackle the specific cultural and historic challenges faced by those living in poverty.
Despite these challenges, the evaluation concludes that BRAG has been highly successful in meeting its objectives and making a positive impact on the Fife community. The findings emphasise BRAG’s vital role in getting people into work, supporting self-employment, enhancing well-being, and acting as a key community partner.
As BRAG celebrates its 35th anniversary, the organisation looks forward to continuing its mission of empowering individuals, supporting businesses, and fostering a thriving community in Fife.
To view the full report, please click here.
To view the summary report, please click here.
