| Roundtable: Using Site Visits to Improve Programs |
| Roundtable Presentation 762 to be held in BONHAM A on Saturday, Nov 13, 10:00 AM to 10:45 AM |
| Sponsored by the Non-profit and Foundations Evaluation TIG |
| Presenter(s): |
| Emily Hagstrom, Ciurczak & Co Inc, emily@ciurczak.net |
| Caroline Taggert, Ciurczak & Co Inc, caroline@ciurczak.net |
| Abstract: Formal site visit reports are an increasingly required component of evaluations. In addition to providing evidence of fidelity of implementation, site visits can be a source of useful feedback and recommendations to program staff. Providing site visit feedback to staff helps programs continuously improve their services and operations. Unannounced site visits and site visits conducted for the benefit of the client, rather than just to check on fidelity of implementation, have unique characteristics. For example, external evaluators can provide feedback on actual program processes prior to official visits from funding agencies. This roundtable presentation will discuss benefits of conducting site visits and providing feedback to staff, as well as examples of programmatic changes that have resulted from site visits. The presentation will also provide tools and tips for conducting effective site visits. Participants will discuss ethical challenges and concerns that arise from negative observations, and how to address these issues. |