RGS Music Group

Our project was with RGS Music (RGS) in Milton Keynes and involved working with Unit Nine, their youth music development programme, which works with young people in challenging circumstances on mainly term length projects. Unit Nine wanted to evaluate their work and to assess the possibility to take it online. They also wanted to grow as a company, raise their profile and win more contracts and grants to support young people.

Dr Kerry Jones and Dr Catherine Pestano, from the Faculty of Wellbeing, Education and Language Studies, worked with Unit Nine to identify practical ways forward and developed an outline research protocol for a future evaluation project. As a result, Unit Nine now have a greater awareness of, and connection with, their local landscape and have shared a platform with high profile operators in their sector to present their work. They have acquired new ways of working, for example using the Arts Award to support beneficiaries and demonstrate impact.

The Knowledge Transfer Voucher scheme helped us review our position in the local market. We learnt about new ways to provide music services to young people in challenging circumstances and to demonstrate the impact of our work with them. The knowledge gained enabled us to build more links and partnerships to support vulnerable youth in Milton Keynes.

Dom Rampello
Managing Director, RGS Music Group

RGS Music’s needs

Our aim is for Unit Nine to serve as a constant service for vulnerable children and young people in Milton Keynes. We wanted to develop our skills further, co-creating new programmes with children and young people themselves through our established links with education and youth services and for Unit Nine to incorporate a blended learning approach to help us deliver within COVID-19 restrictions. This approach would also help us reach more vulnerable youth who find it difficult to leave their homes to engage.

The Open University (OU), offered expertise in new ways to evidence outcomes, online course creation and blended learning approaches and helped us showcase our work with local and national partners.

The Knowledge Transfer Voucher Project

Dr Kerry Jones provided regular mentoring for the project which was delivered by Dr Catherine Pestano, who actively engaged with Unit Nine. The first stage of the project involved getting to know RGS and building a relationship. Alongside this, we scoped and became familiar with local community connections and influencers and learned to appreciate RGS’ offering and position in the music business.

The pandemic highlighted areas of vulnerability and RGS were keen to reduce business risk through diversification. The Knowledge Transfer Voucher (KTV) scheme supported Unit Nine in taking forward its goals under challenging circumstances. This led to an enhanced positioning locally, placing Unit Nine in an ideal position to benefit more fully from local infrastructure and partnerships, where previously they operated more independently. They will be able to build on their existing success as a result.

The KTV enabled us to apply our knowledge and expertise to support a valuable, local, creative, organisation that helps young people who have experienced hardship. We were also able to learn about the challenges of running this type of organisation during a pandemic and support their resilience.

The Open University’s Catherine Pestano and Kerry Jones
Faculty of Wellbeing, Education and Language Studies

Project benefits

The project achieved new learning for RGS in understanding opportunities presented in their local community and how their offer was differentiated in the marketplace. They strengthened and expanded their relationship with local police referrers and identified new potential partners. In addition, new funding and business opportunities were identified.

A team member was trained in Arts Award delivery and steps were taken towards establishing RGS as an Arts Award centre, enabling Unit Nine to provide tangible evidence of positive measurable outcomes.

A research protocol for service evaluation has been developed which will enable us to build on the partnership when circumstances allow.

About RGS Music

RGS was originally incubated as a start-up at the OU incubator. They now operate from their attractive, commercial arts venue and their approach, offer and style of music is unique in Milton Keynes. RGS has achieved commercial success and want to increase their positive contribution to the local area through more funded youth projects, with those experiencing adverse life challenges. Currently Unit Nine provides a youth music service to one main commissioner. We wanted to broaden our contract base for greater financial stability, independence, and control over delivery. Currently a small team, RGS is ready to grow and welcomes new ways of delivery, learning and working. We are interested in thinking about blended learning approaches and to implement ways to show the benefits of the work we do for the people we work with.