Curtis+Cartwright: review and evaluation
Evaluation and review is one of our core service areas. We conduct a wide range of evaluations and reviews across the public sector ranging from technology readiness reviews, to large-scale business change programmes, through project and service evaluations and strategy reviews.
Our experience includes:
- design, conduct and reporting of independent reviews and evalations
- working as part of a clients' team to support a review or evaluation
- synthesis of existing evaluation and review outputs
We are used to handling high-profile, intensive assignments, as well as those that require extra sensitivity to human and political issues.
Case study: programme evaluation
We are currently providing evaluation support to a programme of innovative activities concerned with the effective use of ICT in the education and research sector. The support comprises information gathering, synthesis, analysis and biannual reporting. The evaluation is challenging as it needs to provide an understanding of the long-term impact of a programme, and balance between meeting short-term needs of stakeholders and providing leadership to the sector.
This evaluation is based on work we completed to develop an evaluation framework and plan based on the needs of the programme and the funding organisation. This in turn originates from a study we undertook on the value and lessons of the programme in the past.
Review and evaluation objectives
Particular objectives in an evaluation or review might be to assess efficiency, effectiveness, impact and value for money. There might also be the need to validate benefits or to identify lessons. These are different but related measures that all require in-depth information gathering, a critical review of evidence and insightful analysis.
Our approach is always to be objective and impartial, and to work closely with clients and stakeholders to offer insight and evidence that is useful and relevant. We tailor our approach to the task in hand whilst taking account of good practice such as OGC Gateway Reviews.
Our work
We work in different sectors such as education and research, police, defence and other areas of central government. Our clients say that we are quick to understand the topic and provide value beyond just recording the views of senior stakeholders. The breadth and satisfaction of our clients is a testament to our track record of conducting evaluations and reviews.
Examples of past projects include:
- Service reviews (eg reviews of educational information services suchs as JISC Legal and Intute)
- Programme reviews (eg a healthcheck of a military intelligence programme)
- Organisation and governance reviews (eg of the JISC Advisory Services which led to the formation of the JISC Services Management company)
- Operational reviews (eg of the UK Access Management Federation to inform future delivery)
For further examples of our work please look here.