3. GUIDING PRINCIPLES

The following principles reflect the core values of Danida’s evaluation work. They are interdependent and mutually reinforcing and, as such, they form an overarching frame of reference with which all aspects of an evaluation must be consistent.

The guiding principles articulate fundamental expectations of evaluators, of evaluation processes and products, of methodology and of those managing the evaluation.

Danida’s guiding principles draw on, and are consistent with, the DAC Principles for Aid Evaluation as well as with the DAC Evaluation Standards².

All Danida evaluations must be consistent with the principles of:

Independence – the evaluator’s judgments are not influenced by pressure or conflict of interest. Members of evaluation teams must not in person have been engaged in the activities to be evaluated. Companies involved in the preparation or implementation of the activities to be evaluated cannot be evaluator of these activities.

Impartiality – the personal preferences of the evaluator do not affect the evaluation. Evaluations must give a balanced presentation of strengths and weaknesses. Although evaluators are responsible for all conclusions, different views of interested parties should be reflected in the evaluation report.

Objectivity – the evaluation rests on verifiable findings. Judgments must be clearly separated from factual statements.

Transparency – features, issues and decisions significant to the evaluation are identified and explained clearly. Relevant parties in Denmark and the partner country must be consulted during the preparation and implementation of evaluations, drafting of Terms of Reference and discussion of the draft report.

Partnership – in conformity with the Rome and Paris declarations on harmonisation and partnership as well as the Good Humanitarian Donorship Principles evaluations should to the extent possible be undertaken in partnership with stakeholders in partner countries and other development partners.

Feasibility – the appropriate methodology and resources required by the evaluation are available.

Propriety – the evaluation does not harm individuals.

Cost-efficiency – the evaluation is realised at least cost.

Accuracy – the data do not contain errors of significance to the evaluation.

Fairness – evaluations give a balanced presentation of strengths, weaknesses and different views.

Credibility – the evaluation is conducted in such a way that the results are credible.

Usefulness – users and stakeholders make use of the evaluative process and the information it produces to improve development cooperation.

² DAC Evaluation Standards, OECD/DAC, April 2006