Parallel lines: Diverse approaches to securing meaningful involvement in evaluation by participants in community regeneration programmes

Abstract

This paper reports on two separate but related evaluations of the impact of the SRB 5-funded Calderdale Communities of the Future community regeneration scheme: one by an external team of professional evaluators; and a second (embracing a more participative approach) by some of the activists overseeing the management of the scheme, under the direction of the Programme Manager. The different approaches taken by the evaluations are explored, and the way in which each sought to secure the involvement of scheme participants in the evaluation is described. Emphasis is given to the way in which each approach reflected the importance attached to this aspect of the evaluation, enhancing the participants' capacity, in line with the scheme's ethos, and ensuring the evaluation's effectiveness. In particular, the paper describes the approach taken to developing an evaluation framework using a participatory approach, focusing specifically on how scheme participants were involved. Some of the findings from the evaluation are described, allowing for reflection on the relative merits and impact of the different approaches. Finally, the paper analyses the challenges faced by evaluators in facilitating the desired participation in devising an evaluation framework for a community regeneration scheme of this nature.