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Guidelines for Evaluating Community Crime Prevention Projects

Contents

STAGE 1 - SETTING UP

What you will do in Stage 1

  • Decide a timetable for the evaluation
  • Decide a budget

DRAFTING A TIMETABLE

1. Make a copy of PLANNING SHEET 1A, and use it to draft a timetable.

Note on the planning sheet:

  • each activity in the evaluation process
  • how long each activity will probably take to complete
  • the dates when events will occur and milestones will be reached.

The stages in the evaluation will take about the following times, depending on the project's size and its resources:

  • developing a draft budget and timetable: 3-5 days
  • seeking approval for the budget: 1-4 weeks
  • managing stakeholders: ongoing throughout the evaluation
  • scoping the project: 2-3 weeks
  • appointing an evaluator: 2-8 weeks
  • evaluating the project: this will depend on the evaluation needed
  • announcing findings and recommendations: 1-2 weeks
  • acting on the recommendations: this will depend on the project.

DRAFTING A BUDGET

2. Find out the total budget available to evaluate the project.

3. Make a copy of PLANNING SHEET 1B and write on it what items will need to be paid for from the evaluation budget.

These may include:

  • the cost of hiring an external Evaluator
  • the cost of the Evaluator
  • salary and other costs of support staff
  • travel and accommodation, meal and living expenses
  • equipment, office and support costs
  • recruitment costs for interviews and surveys
  • data analysis costs
  • venue hire
  • production of reports and presentation materials.

4. Alongside each item on PLANNING SHEET 1B, estimate the cost, then work out the total resources required.

5. Compare the amount of money you require with the amount in the evaluation budget. Make any changes you need to keep the evaluation within budget.