Evaluation Advisory Committee

“Evaluation is all about asking questions and answering questions that matter – about programs, processes, products, policies and initiatives.  
When evaluation works well, it provides information to a wide range of audiences that can be used to make better decisions, develop greater appreciation and understanding, and gain insight for action.” (Preskill, H. and Jones, N., 2009)

Why evaluate?  Evaluation can...

  • Contribute to increased knowledge
  • Lead to improvement
  • Help decision making  and prioritizing
  • Help with the planning and implementation  of organizational initiatives.
  • Lead to greater accountability
  • Help programs advocate for the need or effectiveness of various organizational initiatives
  • Build and enhance your own marketability

Benefits of an Advisory Committee

  • Increases participation in the evaluation planning and process
  • Identifies and addresses specific information needs
  • Increase the relevancy and the credibility
  • Ensures transparency
  • Facilitates the evaluation process
  • Fosters relationships and collaboration

Who should be on the Committee?

Should look for:

  • Expertise
  • Diverse perspectives
  • Responsible parties
  • Position of Influence
  • Interested – such as an advocate
  • Can build buy-in and support for the evaluation

Types of Stakeholders as Advisory Committee Members

• Program / Initiative Staff
  Staff, Leadership, Others 
  accountable for
  program/project

• Organizational Leadership
  Executives, Board of
  Directors, Advisory Boards

• Grantees

• Program / Initiative Beneficiaries
  Participants, Clients,
   Patients

• Program / Initiative Researchers
and Evaluators

• Volunteers

• Contributors
  Founders, Donors, Other
  funders and co-funders,
  Collaborating organizations

• Community Groups and Leaders
  Community-based
  organizations, Community 
  leaders, Religious leaders,
  Law enforcement, Community
  service groups, Business
  leaders

 

 

 

 

 

• Experts
  Expert consultants, 
  Evaluators of similar
  programs/initiatives,
  Researchers, Academics

• Policy Groups
  Policy makers (local,
  state, federal), 
  Advocacy organizations,
  Government agencies

• Other
  Staff from similar
  programs/initiatives,
  Professional
  associations, Media

 

 

 

 (Preskill, H. and Jones, N., 2009)

Ways to Engage Advisory Committee Members

  • One-on-One Meetings
  • Group Meetings
  • On-line survey
  • Focus Group Interview
  • Consider your timeline, budget, the number of stakeholders, geographic location, and likely availability

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