How can you ensure evaluations lead to meaningful change?

1 Define your purpose

Before you start an evaluation, you need to clarify why you are doing it, what you want to achieve, and who you want to inform or influence. This will help you define the scope, questions, methods, and criteria of the evaluation, as well as the roles and responsibilities of the stakeholders. You should also consider the context and timing of the evaluation, and how it aligns with your strategic goals and objectives.

2 Identify your stakeholders

Stakeholders are anyone who has an interest or stake in the evaluation, such as beneficiaries, partners, funders, staff, or policymakers. You need to identify who they are, what they expect, and how they can contribute to the evaluation. You can use tools such as stakeholder mapping, analysis, or engagement matrices to categorize and prioritize your stakeholders based on their power, influence, interest, and needs. You should also establish clear and transparent criteria for selecting and involving stakeholders in the evaluation.

3 Communicate effectively

Communication is key for building trust, rapport, and collaboration with your stakeholders. You need to communicate regularly and consistently throughout the evaluation process, using appropriate channels, formats, and languages. You should also tailor your messages to the needs, preferences, and perspectives of your stakeholders, and avoid jargon, acronyms, or technical terms. You should also solicit and respond to feedback, questions, and concerns from your stakeholders, and acknowledge their contributions and expectations.

4 Manage expectations

Stakeholders may have different or conflicting expectations about the evaluation, such as its purpose, scope, methods, outcomes, or implications. You need to manage these expectations by setting clear and realistic boundaries, objectives, and deliverables for the evaluation. You should also explain the limitations, assumptions, and risks of the evaluation, and how you will address them. You should also negotiate and agree on the roles, responsibilities, and accountabilities of the stakeholders, and how you will monitor and report on their performance and participation.

5 Share findings and recommendations

One of the main goals of an evaluation is to share the findings and recommendations with your stakeholders, and to inform their decision-making and action. You need to ensure that the findings and recommendations are relevant, credible, and actionable for your stakeholders, and that they reflect their views and inputs. You should also present them in a clear, concise, and compelling way, using visual aids, stories, or case studies. You should also provide opportunities for your stakeholders to discuss, validate, and challenge the findings and recommendations, and to identify the implications and next steps for their work.