Key points

•  There are a number of stages in undertaking an evaluation, involving identifying which questions to ask of the evaluation, which type of evaluation is most appropriate to answer them, and when and how the evaluation should be carried out.

•  A first important step is planning the evaluation. This will involve specifying the objectives, timeframes, resource requirements, governance arrangements and terms of reference and should consider how evaluation findings will be used, and by whom, since this will affect how an evaluation is undertaken.

•  Using the policy "logic model", which explains how the policy is intended to achieve its objectives, is always recommended for any evaluation. This will help to clearly identify the evaluation objectives and research questions which will direct the evaluation approach, and inform the types of data and information that need to be collected.

•  The evaluation objectives and research questions should also guide a review of the existing evidence relevant to the research questions.

•  While an evaluation will be planned to answer questions of immediate interest, it should also be capable of having a longer-term strategic influence.