Evaluation is a process for learning about what works and how outcomes can be improved.
This guide has been produced to take you through the process, and considerations, in designing and delivering a high quality evaluation – whatever your resources. It is written for people at all levels with an interest in evaluation – whether you are thinking about delivering it in-house, commissioning it from an external provider, working with the network development centre hosted by the Strategy Unit, or are not sure and need to think the process through to decide what is right for you.
The focus is on principles for best practice, not a single proscribed approach, with links to further resources.
It begins with an introduction to evaluation and how it should be used, followed by sections on:
- who to involve in developing the evaluation design
- governance and ethics
- resourcing
- the main qualitative and quantitative approaches
- how to report your findings
The guide will be developed over time, with examples from the Midlands Decision Support Network.
Please note that we are currently producing a version of the guide that includes alt-text for diagrams and figures, to support accessibility.
Guide to Evaluation Design, Principles and Practice
Comments and further information
For any comments, to find out about how the MDSN can support evaluation in the Midlands, or how the Strategy Unit can work with organisations outside the region
Contact our Evaluation Lead Paul Mason