Supporting evidence-informed decision-making
As financial pressures grow, it is increasingly important that investment is targeted at policies and programmes which will result in the greatest impact. Unfortunately, as resources become scarcer it can become difficult to fully support evidence-informed decision-making from within organisations.
To fill that gap, we have a dedicated evaluation team that has a track record in helping others with different types of evaluation. We can also draw on other resources within the Improvement Service to provide additional support.
Take a look at our current evaluation projects, reports exploring previous evaluations and our publications over the years. And if you have any questions, feel free to get in touch.
Why evaluate?
Essentially, evaluation aims to provide answers to key questions about activities.
- Did it work?
- Should we keep doing it or do something else instead?
- What was the value of what we did - both socially and economically?
- Can we get better value for money?
Evaluation offers systematic analysis and assessment, using set criteria, of the extent to which an activity will deliver the intended results. It enables us to identify what’s working... and equally importantly what isn’t. This allows evidence-based decisions to be made about what is required to improve performance. Any evaluation undertaken needs to be proportionate and a reasonable balance struck between ‘doing’ and ‘proving’.
How we can help
Evaluations can focus on the processes used to deliver activities or the impact created or a combination of both. The starting point is to look at the main purpose of the evaluation and to develop and agree a plan which will set out how this will be achieved.
We offer an independent evaluation service which enables projects and services to be assessed by an external body which has a unique understanding of local government.
Although evaluation is offered based on full cost recovery, where appropriate, we will encourage and support the local authorities we work for to share information and identify collaboration opportunities.
Our offer
For the PDF version of how we can help read our Evaluation offer.