We can tend to think of planning and evaluation as two separate aspects or stages of a project, but for engagement activities to be successful and productive, they really need to go hand-in-hand in a virtuous cycle.

• A good planning process will factor in regular review points, to keep the project/activity on track;
• A well thought-through evaluation process will provide relevant/appropriate data for the review points, informing and enabling changes to be made through the life of the project, as well as for gauging the success of the project once its completed.