5.27 As part of the evaluation planning process a project specification (or terms of reference) for the evaluation should be developed. This should cover the scope and objectives of the evaluation, as well as how it will be conducted, governed and managed, and the delivery of the required outputs.
5.28 The exact content will need to be determined by the evaluation commissioner and/or project manager, and will also need to follow existing departmental procedures and guidance for commissioning and managing research and evaluation. However, it is suggested that the following should be included:
• the background, rationale and objectives of the policy to be evaluated, its target recipients, delivery method and intended outcomes;
• the extent of the existing evidence base related to the policy;
• the evaluation objectives and research questions;
• the audience and intended use of the evaluation;
• the available information, for example monitoring data collection processes already set up;
• the possible evaluation approach, research design and methods;
• the required capabilities, skills and experience of the proposed evaluation and team;
• the required evaluation outputs (including datasets) and the milestones to be met;
• data archiving requirements;
• the indicative budget (if being commissioned externally and consistent with departmental, or other, procurement protocols); and
• the evaluation timetable.