Complexity Evaluation Framework

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) is commissioning research to develop a "complexity evaluation framework", which is intended to inform the commissioning of evaluation across the remit of Defra (which includes the environment, food, farming, fishing and rural affairs). The use of the term 'evaluation framework' in this context describes a structure and set of guiding principles to shape evaluation approaches for different programs or initiatives. The primary purpose of this framework is to equip Defra commissioners of evaluation (which may include analysts and policy makers), with a checklist of core considerations to ensure that evaluations are robust and sufficiently consider the implications of complexity theory. The framework is intended to increase the use and usability of evaluation for both commissioned and internally-led evaluation across the department. The final output is intended to be an actionable complexity evaluation framework, accompanied by a supporting evidence report to be used as a resource in commissioning evaluation.