Do you need support with evaluation? The Improvement Service’s Evaluation team can help.
Independent evaluation for Scottish local government
We work closely with Scottish local authorities and their partners, and although part of the local government family is an independent organisation. Our understanding and experience of the operating environment for Scottish local authorities means we are uniquely placed to offer relevant evaluation support. Where appropriate we can share learning across councils, focusing on improving outcomes, reducing inequalities and achieving efficiencies.
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 address this issue, 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.
Why evaluate?
Essentially, evaluation aims to provide answers to key questions about policies and 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 Evaluation team has wide ranging experience with all aspects of evaluation. 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.
A range of approaches
Depending on your requirements we can provide support at all stages of the evaluation process and are familiar with a range of approaches and tools. These include;
- Logic models
- Theories of change
- Outcome and impact assessments
- Data analytics
- Customer journey maps
- Cost benefit analysis
- Social Return on Investment (SROI) analysis
We have experience in both process and impact evaluations and can offer relevant training.
Cost
Although evaluation is usually based on full cost recovery, where appropriate, and if there are opportunities to share the learning within the local government family, we will consider other funding approaches.
Next steps
If you’d like to explore further how we might be able to help you, please contact us by emailing our Evaluation Programme Manager karen.carrick@improvementservice.org.uk or evaluation@improvmentservice.org.uk
Further information
For the PDF version of how we can help, read our Evaluation offer.