Evaluation Brochure

© Stratos Inc. November 5, 2010 Evaluation at Stratos Vision A healthy planet. An equitable world. A sustainable future. Mission We work together to empower organizations to take real steps towards sustainability. Stratos has extensive experience and a demonstrated capacity to conduct evaluations of programs and policies that address the environment and or sustainability. Our services are unique in that they allow us to combine proven evaluation methodologies with a comprehensive understanding of how environment and sustainability issues are addressed by government, industry and civil society. Objectives of an Effective Evaluation Evaluations should examine the relevance, implementation, and impact of policies, plans, and programs. In our evaluations, the key issues senior executives and management typically ask us to examine are: ? Does the program continue to be relevant and aligned with priority areas? ? Are programs achieving the expected outcomes or results, as originally planned? ? How effectively have the policies, plans, and programs been implemented? ? Can program delivery mechanisms be more efficient and less costly? ? What are the strengths and weaknesses, and how can we improve the program? ? Are governance and administrative structures and processes effective? ? Are we meeting key stakeholder expectations? ? Are legal and other obligations being met? ? Are the related policies and procedures being adhered to? The Stratos Approach Our goal is to be transparent and to produce traceable and evidence-based results throughout the process. We strive to maintain flexibility and a collaborative working relationship in order to meet the specific goals and objectives of our client organizations. Stratos specializes in completing evaluations of high profile science-based horizontal initiatives. Our experience includes evaluating the following: ? Clean Air Agenda’s International Actions Theme ? Canada’s Natural Health Products Program ? Implementation of the Cabinet Directive on the Environmental Assessment of Plans, Policies, and Programs ? The Global Environment Facility’s Biodiversity Strategy (GEF-3) ? The programs to implement the Species at Risk Act ? The Canadian Environmental Protection Act ? Canada’s Border Air Quality Strategy ? Climate change public outreach programs; and ? Canada’s Shellfish Sanitation Program. © Stratos Inc. November 5, 2010 We plan evaluations to meet the needs of our client organizations, and ensure clarity around the expected goals of the evaluation - whether it needs to be: ? A results-based evaluation (understanding if your programs are achieving their overall, predetermined objectives), ? A process-based evaluation (understanding how your program really works, and its strengths and weaknesses), or, ? A value-for-money evaluation (understanding the effectiveness and efficiency of resources used to achieve program goals). Our approach is designed to add value to an organization, and is based on: ? Application of a rigorous and professional methodology; ? Using a risk based approach that focuses on high risk or priority issues; ? Combining technical and evaluation expertise in both the design and conduct of the evaluation; ? Providing benchmarking information for comparative purposes, and case studies to illustrate key components; ? Performing broadly-based and comprehensive surveys and document reviews; and ? Maintaining an independent and evidence-based view. We translate our evaluation findings and results into practical, value-added recommendations. As part of this process we strive to: ? Present our evaluation findings and results so that they are clear for and relevant to decision makers and program staff; ? Provide the rationale and evidence to support decision making that can improve programs and policies and their respective processes; ? Develop recommendations that can respond to a range of short and long-term issues and challenges. Benefits of Choosing Stratos As a major player in the field of sustainability, we have worked for clients in the public and private sectors, across a wide range of industries, and in locations throughout Canada and internationally. Our experience has given us a big-picture view of sustainability and includes a deep understanding of the challenges faced by governments, industry, and civil society. Our evaluation team includes experienced evaluators and sustainability specialists who undertake their evaluation activities in accordance with recognized standards and guidelines including: ? Canadian Evaluation Society Guidelines for Ethical Conduct; ? American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Program Evaluation Standards; and ? Treasury Board Standards for Evaluation in Federal Departments and Agencies, including; o Evaluation Policy, including the accompanying Standard and Directive; o Professional Ethics and Standards for the Evaluation Community in the Government of Canada; and o Guidance for Preparing and Reviewing Evaluation Reports. To discuss how Stratos can help you with your evaluation needs, please contact: Michael Gullo Evaluation Lead and Senior Consultant 613-241-1001 x.231 mgullo@stratos-sts.com