In 2001, the Government of Romania introduced a means-tested benefit directed at the very poor. This benefit had an element of workfare included in it and, although partially funded by the national government, it was delivered by local government.  The Department for International Development commissioned a sub-team to undertake an evaluation of the experience of the programme over its first 18 months, as part of a larger project Assistance to Social Sector Development – Romania.  We provided the Team Leader who worked with the Romanian experts and staff from the Ministry of Labour, Social Solidarity and the Family to undertake an evaluation that included:

• Evaluation of the quantitative and qualitative impact on applicants (both successful and unsuccessful)
  
• Assessment of the transparency and consistency of the administrative process
  
• A review of the efficacy of the arrangements for monitoring and control

The research required a nationally representative survey of applicants to explore their experience and the work included: design of the methodology; design of questionnaires for a survey of beneficiaries; analysis of data; drafting of the evaluation report; transfer of expertise to key personnel in the Ministry of Labour and Social Solidarity.  The report provided the basis of the Ministry’s discussions on the reform of the law, focusing on the administrative arrangements and financial responsibilities.