Chapter 06 · Governance & regulationDevelopment, Impact & Global Frameworks
Impact evaluation
Definition
Impact evaluation is the assessment of the changes attributable or plausibly linked to an intervention, policy or programme.
References
This reference provides supporting context for how “Impact evaluation” is defined and used.
Overview
What it means in practice
Impact evaluation should be read as a development and impact term. Its meaning depends on the affected population, institutional context, geography, evidence base and power relationships involved.
In practice, users should state whose perspective is being considered, what outcome is intended and what limitations apply. That keeps impact evaluation from becoming a broad claim detached from lived context or evidence.
Why it matters
Impact evaluation matters because development language can influence funding, accountability, rights, participation and claims about impact. Clear wording helps readers distinguish aspiration, programme design, measured outcome and social context.
Common misconception
A common error is to use Impact evaluation as universally positive without examining who benefits, who carries risk and who has voice in the decision.
Review questions
Who is affected, who decides and who is accountable? What evidence supports the claimed outcome? What local context or limitation should shape interpretation?
How it is used
The term appears in standards, certification, conformity assessment, audits, controls and assurance engagements, where standard setters, scheme owners, certification bodies, auditors and organisations seeking assurance use it to classify, assess or communicate the assessment of the changes attributable or plausibly linked to an intervention, policy or programme.
Its correct use depends on the named standard or scheme, version, scope, criteria, assurance level and competent decision-maker.