Preparing a research or evaluation plan

Introduction to research and evaluation planning

You can use these resources as a starting point to help you draw up a detailed research or evaluation plan. You can also get advice and guidance through our evaluation support service.

Service evaluation: an introductory guide - Age UK

This is a good introduction to planning an evaluation. It sets out two types of evaluation (process and impact evaluations) and lists the important things to include when planning and designing an evaluation. There’s a useful glossary and links to further information.

Manage an evaluation or evaluation system - Better Evaluation

This document helps you plan the different elements of an evaluation. There are short sections on things like how to engage with stakeholders, decision-making processes, resource management and developing evaluation capacity.

Guidelines for good practice in evaluation - UK Evaluation Society

The document includes separate good practice guidelines for four different groups: evaluators, commissioners, people carrying out institutional self-evaluation and evaluation participants. The information is useful for people who are experienced in carrying out evaluations as well as for those who are new to the process.

Introductory guide to evaluation - Data Cymru

This webpage is a comprehensive guide to planning and carrying out evaluations and can be accessed in English or Welsh. It sets out the evaluation process, describes types of evaluation, evaluation frameworks and the role of logic models and theories of change. It also includes a useful glossary of terms.

There’s a direct link to the HM Treasury Magenta Book, which can be used as a resource for planning evaluations.

Measuring what matters – Co-production Network for Wales

This is a practical guide to help anyone carrying out an evaluation. It follows a four-step process going through question selection, the people involved, the data collection options and checking and recording decisions.

The CHARM framework: a step-by-step guide for care homes to conduct their own research projects - University of Worcester, Association for Dementia Studies

This manual is aimed at supporting research projects in care homes, but it’s also useful for other settings.

The little book of creative evaluation - Christou, E., Owen, V., and Ceyhan, P. (Lancaster University)

An introduction to more creative evaluation approaches. There are real life examples and  a comprehensive resources section. Read online or download a copy.

Creating a logic model to decide what evidence to collect

Logic models can help us understand how an intervention works and what outcomes have been achieved. They’re helpful in planning evaluations and research.

Using logic models in evaluation - The Strategy Unit

This briefing paper gives a short introduction to logic models and their benefits. It also provides guidance on how to use logic models.

Developing a logic model - Evaluation Support Scotland

This resource focuses on two types of logic model: ‘Weaver’s triangle’ and the ‘Wisconsin model’, giving examples of each type and how to produce them.

Logic mapping: hints and tips - The Tavistock Institute

This was developed for the Department for Transport but is useful in different settings. It gives an overview of how logic models are used in evaluations. Chapter two sets out a step-by-step guide to logic mapping.

Good practice in carrying out research and evaluations

These resources will help you decide if your evaluation or research plan is in line with good practice.

Have you involved all relevant people?

Assent guidance - University of East Anglia

This free online guide helps involve people in research who lack capacity to consent. There's information on how to support people with communication difficulties to take part in research and decision making in the context of research. The section on adjustments and supports is relevant to evaluations as well as research.

Public involvement toolkit – Health and Care Research Wales

This toolkit includes guidance and advice about involving members of the public in your research or evaluation. There’s information about sources of support and template documents.

Evid tool - Lancaster University

A step-by-step guide to co-producing an evaluation with stakeholders. The online version is free for non-profit organisations. It's also free to some commercial organisations, where they can help development through feedback and insights. You can also download a free three-page PDF summarising the steps.

Is your plan valid, reliable and does it meet the relevant ethical requirements?

Code of professional practice for social care – Social Care Wales

The standards set out in this code of practice must be applied when planning an evaluation to make sure all ethical requirements are met.

The cycle of good impact practice: research ethics and data protection - New Philanthropy Capital (NPC)

This web page includes information on research ethics and data protection. There’s a checklist you can download to make sure you’ve planned your research or evaluation in line with research ethics principles.

Essentials of survey research and analysis - Ronald J Polland

This document includes a section on assessing reliability and validity and explains what it means to collect reliable and valid information through survey methods.

Is your evaluation or research approach inclusive and accessible?

Measuring what matters – Co-production Network for Wales

The guide includes information about how to choose methods that help involve the people you want to participate. And how to adapt methods to make them more inclusive.