Reviews and evaluations are an important learning tool for organisations. They help to establish a common understanding of the current situation for an issue or service that in turn allows organisations to both recognise what has been achieved and understand the areas for development.
In the field of social research there are a number of well-established approaches available for undertaking a review or evaluation depending on what you want to achieve. Although methodological rigour is important, in our experience the key to success is to be very clear from the outset about the question to be answered, the issues to be investigated and the scope of the review. Surprisingly many reviews are insufficiently clear about their objective and purpose. Also critical to success is a rigorous approach to gathering, recording and analysing evidence so that a reliable assessment of the current position is arrived at.
Organisations frequently seek external assistance with undertaking reviews and evaluations because of their temporary nature and the difficulties in releasing existing staff from their current responsibilities to undertake them. It also often helps to bring in someone from outside who has some distance from the issues, can offer a fresh perspective and if required ensure the confidentiality of feedback given by individuals.
We have undertaken a number of independent reviews and evaluations for our clients. We have also worked alongside in-house staff in a combined project team and advised on methods and tools for review programmes across government. We set out below a recent case-study of our work.