Evaluation

Key Points from Project Plan Checklist

1. Did the exercise directly inform a decision, shape a policy or service delivery arrangements?
2. Has the exercise helped to improve the cost effectiveness of a service?
3. Does the service or policy now more closely match users’ needs and aspirations?
4. Did the exercise reach a representative sample?
5. Did the exercise reach the appropriate target groups?
6. Was the response rate high enough to give reliable results?
7. Was the exercise cost effective?
8. Can you demonstrate how you are going to implement the recommendations?
9. Have you learned anything about what does and does not work in public consultation?
10. Have you shared any of these lessons with others via the Policy Unit?

After a consultation/engagement exercise, it is important to carry out an evaluation of the results to ensure that the objectives were met, that an appropriate number of stakeholders responded, that the method was appropriate; and that it was a cost effective mechanism, in keeping with the scale and value of the topic or service.

It is good practice to share any lessons that have been learnt: any pit-falls, any success stories. This can be done via the datashare site or by contacting the Policy Unit on 01595 744537,or write to Policy Unit, Town Hall, Lerwick.

Evaluation is important and should be built in from the beginning of the process.

The Acid Test

The key question: “Has anything changed as a result?”

At the end you need to be able to measure whether:

• You got views that you could use
• You have actually used those views
• The consultation has led to some identifiable change in your service or policy
• The consultation has changed the relationship between you, your users and others.