At the Big Lottery Fund, we define self-evaluation as:
the evaluation of a project that is carried out or commissioned by those running the project. It involves them collecting and using data to answer their own questions concerning the quality, value and direction of their work and to manage their performance.
Why self-evaluation is important for projects
Self-evaluation takes time and effort but it enables you:
- to explore the reasons why things are (or are not) working well and make changes so that you can better achieve your outcomes.
- to gather information that will help you report to funders and others about how your project is performing and how you’ve adapted it to changing circumstances.
- to identify good practice and help other projects to improve the way that they work by publicising your evaluation findings.
- to build a culture of reflection and analysis within your organisation that helps people to improve the quality of their work.
