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Evaluations of more complex programmes

• may need to serve multiple stakeholders' needs - not only the commissioners

• there may be a wide range of evaluation questions each requiring different a different methodology and data

• there may be numerous outcomes and 'outcome pathways' to establish if causal processes are to be explained and evidenced.

• there may be many stakeholders who play a part in the change whose role needs to be understood and whose contribution to change evaluated.

• data about inputs, activity, performance and outcomes from multiple stakeholders may require detailed mapping and upfront agreement

• the likelihood of emergence and change in what is being delivered / implemented needs to be 'baked in' to the evaluation design from the start

• a transdisciplinary approach might be needed within the evaluation team to enable mutual understanding and effective communication across different analytical or professional domains.

• frequent cycles of evaluation and reporting may be required to support ongoing learning and adapation across a network, as well as providing 'end of programme' findings.