IRCT Research Symposium Building Evaluation into Torture Rehabilitations Centers: Good Practices and Real-world Approaches Jennifer J. Esala, Ph.D IRCT Research Symposium December 7, 2016 www.CVT.org

What is monitoring and evaluation. Monitoring is … What is monitoring and evaluation? Monitoring is …. the regular and systematic collection of information, and using it to track progress against set standards and benchmarks. Evaluation is …. a systematic process to determine merit, worth, value or significance of a program or intervention.

Why conduct evaluation? Evaluation data can contribute to: improved clinical practice; more powerful advocacy work; and increasingly compelling fundraising initiatives.

Evaluation is often less developed …. ORG MANAGEMENT

This presentation is based on…. EXPERIENCE IN THE FIELD DATA and DOCUMENTATION EXPERT CONSULTATION INTERVIEWS

FIVE SUGGESTIONS in this talk today…. sequencing pacing integrating getting buy-in making it useful

SUGGESTION #1 “Sequencing evaluation activities makes success more likely”

“Pacing evaluation to match organizational capacity” SUGGESTION #2 “Pacing evaluation to match organizational capacity” Assess organizational capacity Key components to consider Staff time Familiarity and then expertise A defined intervention Evaluation infrastructure Develop a modest plan

SUGGESTION #3 “Build evaluation into existing organizational systems” Review the systems you have in place; Consider how evaluation could be integrated

SUGGESTION #4 “Taking a participatory approach for greater buy-in and then greater impact” What is buy-in …? Shared understanding; Value; Financial commitment; Time & Energy; Willingness; Priorities; Ongoing How to gain it? Awareness raising & training Identify the value Plan together Budget resources transparently Identify and address tensions Revisit

SUGGESTION #5 “Make evaluation useful at multiple organizational levels” Fundraising Program planning Donor retention Client care Publicity and marketing Community Advocacy for clients and funding for this work

NOW WHAT? Assess evaluation capacity Review the sequencing diagram to consider next steps Build evaluation next steps into current organization processes Build evaluation time and training into your next proposal Do evaluation awareness raising at your organization Make cross-domain communication the foundation of evaluation planning Think “outside of the box “about how to could use evaluation data.

Thank you. www.CVT.org