Evaluating evolving and complex programmes: learning and reflections from the child poverty pathfinders' evaluation
This paper presents learning from the evaluation of the child poverty pathfinders in Dundee and Glasgow about evaluating evolving and complex programmes. It is intended to support policy makers, programme delivery teams and evaluators to get the best out of future evaluations of similar initiatives.
About this paper
This short paper reflects on learning from the phase 2 evaluation of the child poverty pathfinder programmes in Dundee and Glasgow about the process of evaluating evolving and complex programmes. It is intended to support informed discussion between policy makers, programme delivery teams, and evaluators on how to get the best out of future evaluations, particularly of programmes that, like the pathfinders, take an intentionally iterative approach to design and delivery.
A full and summary report of the phase 2 evaluation are available separately. This paper draws on a number of themes discussed in more detail in those reports. It reflects the views of the external evaluators involved in the phase 2 evaluation. While it is hoped this document will provide useful food for thought, others may have different views on how best to approach the issues identified.