This group discussed the cluster of issues related to the tension between pre-set objectives, on the one hand, and the need to respond to the dynamics of the group and newly emerging questions, on the other. Evaluation is therefore formative, that is aimed at clarifying goals and improving performance.
Evaluation needs to operate at two main levels.
But one should be cautious about doing this, and where it is done, make sure that there is an explicit and clearly democratic process. We were conscious of how an event can be hijacked by one or tow determined people with their own agenda. In evaluating an event in which the original aims and objectives have been radically altered, it was necessary to beware of self-deception. There is an understandable inclination to cast about for other positive outcomes and spin-offs. The group felt that outsiders could play a useful role in evaluation, mainly in relation to the broader programme.