Building Capacity With Evaluation Standards and Guidelines in Prince Edward Island: Responding to Academics’ “Call to Action”

Abstract

The purpose of this practice note is to promote knowledge sharing and insight for evaluation practitioners and academics in other jurisdictions by reflecting on evaluation policy development in Prince Edward Island. The author describes the process of developing evaluation standards and guidelines for the Government of Prince Edward Island and the benefits of a systematic development process. The author reviews each phase of the process, including “Identify,” “Consult,” “Study,” “Consensus,” “External Review,” and “Endorsement.” The author concludes that the benefit of developing evaluation standards and guidelines is two-fold: A new resource is added to the government’s evaluation toolkit, and the development process provides an opportunity for capacity and interdepartmental community building.