What and When to Evaluate: guide

Annex 2. Appraisal and evaluation

Figure 2 explains the difference between appraisal and evaluation.

Appraisal is typically carried out ex ante – before an intervention proceeds. This contrasts with evaluation which typically takes place ex post, i.e. after a policy has been implemented.

Appraisal helps decision makers choose between options before implementation. This is so the best option on paper – typically the one that gives the most benefit for the least cost – can be found and chosen.

An appraisal assesses the costs, benefits and risks of different options for achieving government objectives and can be used for any type of government intervention. The need for an appraisal must be determined by the policy team and analysts within a particular policy area. To determine if an appraisal is required and the scale of that appraisal, you should consider proportionality. The time and resources involved in developing a proposal should correlate to the costs, complexity and risks involved in the proposal. Where required, you should aim to begin an appraisal as early as possible in the policy development process. An appraisal typically makes up one part of developing a proposal and is often part of a business case.

Information from an appraisal should be used to inform any future evaluation, and an appraisal should specify initial plans for evaluation.