6.1 Engage an external evaluator
It is important for the credibility of the project implementation and for quality assurance mechanisms, to have project activities and processes externally evaluated.
Identify high profile evaluators (via the Project Advisory Group networks). Ideally this should be an evaluator who specialises in health and/or community issues.
Once nominated, provide information on the Project Framework and discuss the criteria and reporting arrangements for the project evaluation with them.
Negotiate terms and conditions accordingly.
A profile of the ‘Staying Strong’ evaluator can be located at: Health Outcome International24
6.2 Receive evaluation reports
If an evaluation report can be arranged in parts, it can be helpful in terms of providing constructive, incremental feedback into the project.
At a minimum there should be two reports made available – an interim report and a final evaluation report.
Example of Evaluation Reports and the EPCA Interim Summary Report for the ‘Staying Strong’ project are available within the project information.
6.3 Review learnings and list ‘Spanners Y and Surprises Z

Most organisations find value in a continuous improvement process and so once the external evaluation has been completed, it is useful for the project team to come together to reflect and review the outcomes from the operational perspective. This creates a ‘working’ viewpoint that can be useful if another project of similar nature is to be conducted. The other benefit is that it creates closure for the team and a chance to acknowledge both individual and collective effort that has been contributed.