Based on the provided information, a process evaluation can be conducted by a variety of actors. The specific individual or group who will conduct a particular evaluation depends on the context, resources, and goals of the evaluation, but the possibilities include several types of evaluators.
Potential Evaluators for Process Evaluation
Evaluations, including process evaluations, can be carried out by diverse parties. The choice often depends on factors like required expertise, objectivity, cost, and the desired level of community involvement. Here are the potential actors who can conduct a process evaluation:
- External Contractors: Independent evaluators or firms hired from outside the organization or program being evaluated. They often bring objectivity and specialized expertise.
- Internal Staff: Members of the organization's own staff who are not directly involved in delivering the specific service or program being evaluated.
- Those Involved in Delivering Services: Individuals who are part of the team providing the services being evaluated. While they have insider knowledge, this approach may raise questions about objectivity.
- Peers: Individuals from similar organizations or programs who can provide an external, yet knowledgeable, perspective.
- The Community: Members of the community that the service or program aims to serve. This approach emphasizes lived experience and community voice.
- A Combined Group: A team composed of individuals from two or more of the categories above (e.g., internal staff working alongside external consultants, or service providers collaborating with community members).
Ultimately, the decision of who conducts the process evaluation is a strategic one, selecting the actor(s) best suited to meet the evaluation's objectives effectively and credibly.
