As one of the Canadian Evaluation Society’s core competencies, self-reflection is powerful tool in bridging the gap between theoretical understanding and practical implementation. This article explores the importance of self-reflection in the work of evaluators, provides suggestions on practicing self-reflection, and discusses the benefits of engaging in the practice.

This article explains the concept of plain language, which aims to make writing easily understandable. It emphasizes the importance of clear communication and its relevance in knowledge translation. It also highlights reasons to write in plain language, such as addressing literacy challenges and making content accessible to a diverse audience. The article introduces tools, including AI writing tools like Chat GPT and readability tools, that assist in creating plain language content.

This infographic is for those who want to understand the differences between research and evaluation, especially when they are used simultaneously in programs. The infographic shows the main steps of research and evaluation, points out the main ways they are different, and gives helpful advice for managing programs that use both approaches.

Reflexivity often falls into that category of things we know we should be doing, but aren't really doing, or things we might be doing, but aren't so sure we're doing right. To try and ease your stress about reflexivity and to help guide your practice, we've compiled our best tips below.

As independent evaluation consultants, we might find ourselves working in the “gig economy” – that thrilling and perilous world of odd jobs and short-term contracts (and best of all: freedom). Whether or not you participate in the gig economy, key to success for any consultant is branding: it’s how you tell the world who you are and the unique value you offer.

A business process is a set of tasks, including the staff and materials required, that is used again and again to accomplish a goal.

This article is about building and improving processes for your evaluation consulting business.

People have done a lot of thinking about how to run a successful business, and there’s a lot independent evaluation consultants can learn from that body of knowledge. Part 2 in this series is about what evaluation consultants can learn from business management experts.

Being a great evaluator doesn’t necessarily make you a great evaluation consultant – you need to do all the things a professional evaluators does, while also operating a business, finding work, and marketing your brand.

This is an article about the skills and knowledge you need to succeed as an independent evaluation consultant.