7.1 When any policy, programme or project is completed or has advanced to a pre-determined degree, it should undergo a comprehensive evaluation. Major or on-going programmes, involving a series of smaller capital projects, must also be subject to ex post evaluations.
7.2 Evaluation examines the outturn of a policy, programme or project against what was expected, and is designed to ensure that the lessons learned are fed back into the decision-making process. This ensures government action is continually refined to reflect what best achieves objectives and promotes the public interest.
7.3 Evaluation comprises a robust analysis, conducted in the same manner as an economic appraisal, and to which almost identical procedures apply. It focuses on conducting a cost benefit analysis, in the knowledge of what actually occurred rather than what is forecast to happen.
7.4 In preparing for an evaluation, it is usually helpful to start with an outline plan, setting out the general boundaries of the proposed evaluation, including:
❑ Questions which it seeks to answer;
❑ Staff and other resources available;
❑ Provisional timing and cost; and
❑ Who should be consulted.