The evaluation cycle

Using and generating evidence to inform decision making is vital in health and social care. The steps in the evaluation cycle will help you to develop appropriate evaluation plans for the services you commission or innovations you are testing.

1 Identify & understand

Identify your stakeholders, explore the evidence base, understand what your service will do and how it will work.

Find out more

2 Assess

Decide whether you need an evaluation, and understand whether you're actually planning an evaluation or something else.

Find out more

3 Plan

Define the purpose and approach of your evaluation and the resources you'll need to do it.

Find out more

4 Do

Think about how to collect and analyse your evaluation data.

Find out more

5 Review & act

Decide how to present, share and act on your evaluation findings.

Find out more

Case studies

Find inspiration for your own evaluation with these real life examples

Guidance

Guidance from a range of organisations for in-depth advice

Services and support

Knowledgeable organisations who may be able to help you

Training resources

Want to learn more? Our training resources are a good place to start