Community Evaluator Programme
The community evaluator programme is a new way of putting
residents and service users at the forefront of the evaluation of
opportunities for local decision-making and engagement activities
in the borough. The project is being led by the Community
Engagement Team with support from the Kensington and Chelsea
Partnership’s Community, Equality and Inclusivity Partnership.
How will the programme work?
Residents will be trained as ‘community evaluators’ to undertake
evaluation tasks, such as attending meetings and events, making
telephone contact with services and reviewing information on
engagement opportunities.
We’re keen to encourage a range of people to become involved in
the programme, reflecting the diversity of the area.
What will the evaluation be used for?
Evaluators will write a report of their findings with assistance
from the training organisation working alongside us. This
information will be presented back to groups which organised
the engagement opportunities, bringing about future improvement how
residents are involved in having a say in service delivery. It will
also help make it easier for more local people to become involved
in decision-making.
This project sounds familiar. How does it differ to community
research?
Although the programme is similar to mystery shopping, the
fundamental differences will be in the level of training and
feedback processes used. Community evaluators will be able to
present findings and meet directly with senior service deliverers.
In some instances, they may also assist with implementation of any
actions which came out of the evaluation. Evaluators are likely to
have a greater involvement in the entire process.
What can community evaluators expect from participating in the
programme?
- the opportunity to meet other residents and service users with
similar interests, and to help make a difference in the
borough
- training, advice and support before and between each evaluation
activity
- the chance to learn more about the variety of meetings and
activities in the borough
- an opportunity to understand how public service agencies engage
service users and residents and help influence service
delivery
- a gift voucher acknowledging their time, and to cover
additional out of pocket expenses such as travel*
- a certificate indicating completion of the community evaluator
course and having taken part in the programme
- a reference by the evaluator if required
*If special arrangements are required, additional expenses will
be covered
What would be expected of a community evaluator?