Evaluation and Monitoring is discussed in the SCT but more specific issues can be discussed in a sub-group when appropriate, bringing together specialists from all the partners. The Executive also provides guidance on monitoring and evaluation, as well as disseminating ideas of good practice developed through discussions and links with Scottish, UK and European partners. Wide dissemination and discussions of all evaluation results is crucial to engage all partner organisations in the process. One method the Scottish Executive will be using increasingly for the dissemination of information on European Structural Funds will be the Executive website, which also contains information on monitoring and evaluation. In this partnership framework the Scottish Executive will be taking forward the findings and recommendations of the research project.
Evaluation is crucial to provide the underpinning of evidence based policy.
This requires the application of sound methodology and the research project will assist the Executive to refine the good practice already being employed. Usage of evaluation as a programming tool is an essential component of the principle of evidence-based policy. Working together in partnership enables the dissemination of good practice, as well as engaging the partners on the ground in the evaluation process. The Scottish Executive is committed to working together with all partners in Scotland, the UK and Europe to continually improve the good practice in monitoring and evaluation already applied. The policy principles underpinning Structural Fund evaluation are consistent with the development of Scottish policy objectives and will enable the Structural Funds to interact effectively with Scottish policies to leave a lasting legacy of Structural Fund intervention in Scotland.