The Evaluation Trust approaches evaluation in a practical and participatory way, with the aim of strengthening the organisation with which we are working. The Evaluation Trust uses evaluation as a tool for organisations to see and affirm their strengths, recognise and address their weaknesses, and to identify learning and take action where it is needed.

Within this process we aim to provide learning and developmental opportunities for the individuals as well as the organisation, involving and valuing all stakeholder groups and individuals. We do this by assisting in the creation of a safe, confidential and supportive environment, to enable all participants to express their real views and feelings with confidence and in a way which is respectful of the values and principles of the organisation and non judgemental in its approach.

We affirm the values and practice of equal opportunity and aim to assist organisations and individuals to grow and change according to their expressed needs and priorities and within a process which enhances the skills, power, knowledge and experience of all participants. We endeavour to be aware of our own values, recognising the need to question and challenge discriminatory and oppressive definitions of situations, our attitudes and our practices. This affects how we approach helping organisations define the questions and the methods used.

We endeavour to be independent of pressure and impartial- that is, fair, open and not biased; cross checking evidence and being rigorous and systematic. We are committed to confidentiality and try to protect all the individuals and groups we are in contact with from misuse of data. All data collected from individuals will remain confidential to the evaluators with guarantees given to respondents. Summarised data will be shared with the steering group.

The Trust believes it is important for evaluation work to involve representatives of all the key stakeholder groups in the organisation, in supporting the work, and agreeing the purpose and nature of the work. We recognise the need to involve a variety of perspectives, explanations and interpretations within the work, and particularly value the views of users/participants. Initially it is essential to negotiate and clarify with participants the level and limits of involvement which they are able to offer and seek their involvement in defining the issues and concerns, and their ownership of the evaluation as far as possible.

The Trust will attempt to match the skills, experience and background of the evaluation consultant to the work required and where possible involve organisations in a choice of consultant.

The Trust will attempt to match the skills, experience and background of the evaluation consultant to the work required and where possible involve organisations in a choice of consultant.

We aim to build up the self evaluation skills of workers, volunteers, users and management groups and facilitate reflection, involvement, confidence and empowerment within their work.