Main Page   Guide to Program Evaluation   Planning the Evaluation:  Working With an Outside Evaluator

Planning the Evaluation

Working With an Outside Evaluator

One of the first issues that programs need to address when considering an evaluation is whether to use an evaluation expert, and whether that person can be in-house (if such expertise exists) or outside of the agency or program being evaluated. If funds are available, a trained and experienced evaluator can be of great assistance to a program throughout the evaluation process. If in-house expertise is available, the advantages and disadvantages of using this person or an external evaluator must be weighed.

Regardless of whether the evaluator is internal or external to the agency being evaluated, finding a qualified evaluator is essential. A qualified evaluator should be experienced in evaluating similar programs; should try to balance the needs and concerns of a variety of decision-makers, including the program managers, with issues related to the objectivity of the evaluation; and should be able to communicate with a wide variety of individuals who have an interest in the results of their work.

Learn More...

Building Evaluation into a Program RFP and Preparing an Evaluation RFP (Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention)

Choosing an Evaluator (Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention)

Conducting Evaluations In-House or Under Contract (National Institute of Justice)

Hiring and Working with an Evaluator (Justice Research and Statistics Association)

Who Should Conduct Your Evaluation? (Department of Housing and Urban Development)

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