Finding Balance

An Evaluation Governance Model to Ease Tension between Independence and Inclusion

Abstract

Practitioners and theorists have documented the benefits of user engagement and participation in evaluation and, at the same time, the value of neutral and impartial evaluative evidence. Yet producing both an independent and inclusive evaluation is a leading challenge in our field. In this practice note, we present one solution. We describe the design of an evaluation governance structure that was used to find balance between these two themes. We also identify key elements of this experience and present these for adaptation by others, given appropriate tailoring. We have documented our experience as we believe that governance provides currently uncharted potential for this discipline spanning challenge.