HOST Policy Research: Our Services
Evaluation and Impact Assessment
Here are some of the questions most commonly asked of HOST by those given responsibility for setting up or conducting evaluations:
- How do I set up an evaluation to provide the practical feedback we need?
- What are key performance indicators – KPIs – which are most appropriate for us and how do we measure them?
- How do we use performance indicators to look at outcomes or impact?
- Will formative or summative evaluation be best suited to our needs?
HOST can help in the following ways:
Baseline audits and mapping studies: HOST can respond quickly by drawing on an inter-disciplinary team of professionals throughout the UK with wide experience of conducting such research. We have extensive knowledge of data sources – official and non-official – and wide experience of conducting primary research to fill the information gaps often left by existing evidence.
Process training and consultancy: Many agencies are now concerned to build their own capacity and responses to conducting evaluations. HOST is able to help organisations, or individuals within them, through a customised approach to developing the necessary skills, methods or knowledge.
Critical friend service: Sometimes those responsible for evaluation feel the need for something more informal. Here HOST can provide a link to a specific HOST expert relevant to the context of the evaluation. This is a highly flexible form of support with the link expert acting as a critical friend in those areas of the evaluation where support is most needed.
Independent evaluation studies: In many cases, organisations or partnerships are looking for the whole evaluation activity to be conducted independently. We have wide credibility, and a range of experience of conducting such studies at national level, and locally and regionally – half of our professional team work from satellite centres throughout the UK.
Check out the information provided on evaluation and impact assessment as part of the HOST Research and Guidance Series.
“The research and evaluation on the pilot is rigorous and thorough and so valuable to (the client) and the system, and I really appreciate how you responded to the amends we asked for and your willingness to engage in positive challenge and discussion with us.”