In the case of a particularly large or innovative community benefits package, the decision making group may feel it appropriate to commission an external expert to support or conduct an evaluation. This might mean someone who carries out an independent evaluation in its entirety or facilitates review workshops or other activities such as focus groups and stakeholder interviews. In addition to the research expertise they can bring, an external consultant can bring objectivity and fresh perspectives to the process. Evaluation Support Scotland has produced a guide to commissioning and managing external evaluation consultants.
