Doing the evaluation

What should it cover?

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The content of each evaluation will be different but the basic checklist below describes what needs to be covered in most cases. The evaluation report needs to provide a detailed picture of the whole engagement process and the policy process within which it fits (if it is related to a specific policy process), as well as to assess its success.

Objectives of the engagement process, e.g.

what were the original stated objectives
are there any 'implicit' objectives that have not been fully articulated
how were the objectives set, and by whom
did they change; if so, why and how
have the objectives been met.

Context, e.g.

is the process stand-alone or part of a wider programme
what else relevant was going on at the same time; how did the process under evaluation relate to other relevant initiatives
what historical, geographical, political, economic and social factors have affected the process.

Levels of involvement, e.g.

type of involvement sought (e.g. from inform to empower); why and how that level was chosen
assessment of whether that level of involvement was achieved
assessment of whether that level of involvement was appropriate in the circumstances.

Methods and techniques used, e.g.

what methods and techniques were used
who decided on these
were they appropriate to the objectives
what worked well and what worked less well.

Who was involved, e.g.

review of any stakeholder analysis done (whose involvement sought; assessment of whether achieved; and whether appropriate)
numbers of people involved
analysis of type of people involved (e.g. by socio-economic group, educational qualifications, age).