aes19 International Evaluation Conference

Rini Mowson (Clear Horizon)

Translating evaluation into policy making remains a big challenge in the international development. The uptake of findings from evaluation into policy making is a complex and non-linear process.
Based on my experience working as an internal and external evaluator, this paper presents some key considerations for maximising the effectiveness of 'evaluation to policy making' process. These include:

• The first step is to identify the knowledge roles and function of the evaluator which defines their roles in evidence-based policy making. For example: evaluators can play a role in providing sound evidence or leading the process of knowledge brokering and translation. Clarifying this role will make it easier to monitor contributions to the policy decisions.
• To ensure utilisation of the evaluation results in the policy making, the evaluation should be high quality as credibility of evidence and conveyors of the messages are extremely important in influencing policy decisions.
• There are different types of relationship between evaluator and policy maker which influence the utilisation of evaluation results. For example, an evaluator who has a trusted relationship with policy makers can apply an 'inside-track' approach in using the evidence to influence policy (Start and Hovland, 2004).
• To achieve significant outcomes, evaluators can capitalise on similar initiatives and use cross-sector engagement in using their evaluation findings. In collaborating, they should use the most appropriate modalities to deliver the highest outcomes and avoid having overlapping roles in supporting evidence-based policy making.
• The last strategy is to engage policy makers during the evaluation design, development, implementation and communication of the research findings. The evaluation topic should be informed by the needs of policy makers while the development and implementation of the evaluation should closely engage relevant stakeholders throughout the process. The communication of the evaluation findings to stakeholders helps to support policy making.