New Deal for Communities as a participatory public policy: the challenges for evaluation

Abstract

Abstract This chapter examines some of the challenges for evaluation within the national regeneration programme, New Deal for Communities (NDC), which covers employment, crime, education, health, and housing in each partnership area. It explains that the evaluation's principal aim is to ensure effective delivery of the NDC programme during its life rather than learn lessons after the event. It provides a working definition of participatory evaluation that emphasises the importance of drawing on local resources and capacities and ensuring stakeholders are key in the decision-making process. It highlights the opportunities offered by participatory evaluation for local people to learn new skills and engage with local issues.