External
Evaluation Consultancy - How We Work
ceni is committed to conducting evaluations which
are:
Methodologically rigorous - using
both quantitative and qualitative techniques to measure the performance
of organisations against standard criteria of efficiency, effectiveness
and value for money. In addition ceni strives to
capture and analyse, the more difficult to measure, ‘process’
outcomes produced by community and voluntary projects.
Informed by current research - drawing
from research into methods and approaches appropriate to evaluation
in the voluntary sector. For example, ceni's recent
research report, commissioned by the Voluntary and Community Unit
(Dept Social Development), which incorporates the idea of social
capital as a way of describing and measuring the "added value"
of community and voluntary sector activity (for more visit the research
section)
Quality assured: ceni
has clearly documented procedures and criteria for the conduct of
evaluations and the production of evaluation reports. These ensure
that ceni evaluations are conducted to a uniformly
high standard.
Value Based: ceni’s
approach to evaluation is underpinned by the values of empowerment
and inclusion. ceni seeks to make an evaluation
supportive and enabling to the project by ensuring their inclusion
at key stages of the process. This, we believe, enhances project
confidence in the evaluation and so generate better data, more insightful
analysis and ultimately produce more relevant and useful reports.
Appropriate to need: ceni
evaluations are designed to be flexible and adaptive to clients
needs, with a focus on "usability". This is reflected
in the range and scope of project work undertaken - see case studies.
ceni can provide formative
support at the initial stages of the project, which will inform
its on-going development and feed into summative
evaluation. This involves assisting staff with the design of self-evaluation
frameworks and implementing data-collection/monitoring systems from
the outset. ceni evaluators can work with clients
at key stages, for example conducting interim-evaluation
which will contribute to the programmes future development and sustainability.
ceni consultants also carry out related
work such as end of year reporting, cost-benefit analysis, facilitative
sessions with user groups, and business and strategic planning.
Find out more about ceni's external
evaluation process
Client support package: Organisations
interested in having an evaluation carried out can avail of advice
and informaton on the design, planning and commissioning of an evaluation.
ceni’s training programmes includes a one-day
course on ‘Getting The Most Out External Evaluation’
aimed at project managers or administrators of funding programmes.
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