Overview
This book offers a practical guide for those transitioning from research to systematic evaluation. With growing demand for reliable evaluation across government, charities and other institutions, many new evaluators lack necessary knowledge and skills. This book addresses those gaps, offering step-by-step guidance on designing and delivering fit-for-purpose evaluations to maximise their use and utility. Taking a holistic approach to the evaluation journey, it covers key challenges such as engaging stakeholders, managing expectations and handling resource pressures. With real-world case studies and practical tools, this is an essential resource for practitioners across public, academic and voluntary sectors.
Full Product Details
Author: David Parsons (Independent consultant)
Publisher: Bristol University Press
Imprint: Policy Press
ISBN: 9781447376132
ISBN 10: 1447376137
Pages: 348
Publication Date: 25 November 2025
Audience:
Professional and scholarly
,
General/trade
,
Professional & Vocational
,
General
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active
Availability: Awaiting stock
The supplier is currently out of stock of this item. It will be ordered for you and placed on backorder. Once it does come back in stock, we will ship it out for you.
Reviews
“At last, a book that provides - in one place - everything that the prospective evaluator needs to get started. This is practical, accessible advice grounded in real world experience.” Andrew Jarvis, Vice President, ICF “This is a highly engaging book on evaluation that will address many of the questions you have, whether you are new to evaluation or more experienced. It is informed by many conversations with researchers from government, academia and charities and, therefore, grounded in the real world. Highly recommended reading.” Tina Haux, Chief Executive Officer, UK Social Research Association
“At last, a book that provides - in one place - everything that the prospective evaluator needs to get started. This is practical, accessible advice grounded in real-world experience.” Andrew Jarvis, Vice President, ICF “This is a highly engaging book on evaluation that will address many of the questions you have, whether you are new to evaluation or more experienced. It is informed by many conversations with researchers from government, academia and charities and, therefore, grounded in the real world. Highly recommended reading.” Tina Haux, Chief Executive Officer, Social Research Association
Author Information
David Parsons is a programme evaluator with over 30 years’ experience of independent public policy analysis in the UK, Europe and internationally. He is also Visiting Professor at Leeds Beckett University, Principal Consultant at P&A Research and Consulting, and Programme Lead for evaluation practitioner training at the UK’s Social Research Association.
