In the context of the GAP Framework evaluation refers not just to the evaluation of end results, but also to the ongoing monitoring of progress and provision of feedback to enable adjustments that ultimately improve results. Evaluation ensures that an organisation both learns from, and is accountable for, its performance.

Evaluation encompasses the processes through which an organisation, with involvement from key stakeholders, monitors and reviews its progress and results against goals and objectives; feeds learning from this back into the organisation on an ongoing basis; and reports on the results of the process.

Evaluation therefore plays two roles in accountability:

• It provides the information necessary for the organisation and its stakeholders to monitor, assess and report on performance against agreed goals and objectives;

• It provides feedback and learning mechanisms which support an organisation in achieving goals for which it will be accountable. By providing information on an ongoing basis, it enables the organisation to make adjustments during an activity that enable it to better meet its goals, and to work towards accountability in an inclusive and responsive manner with stakeholders.

For evaluation to increase accountability, it is essential that goals have been set which contribute to accountability: evaluation alone cannot increase accountability, it can only ensure that goals are achieved and reported against. To increase accountability to stakeholders, goals and objectives must be defined in consultation with stakeholders. Therefore, the contribution of evaluation to accountability is dependent on participation: effective participation is needed to produce goals which increase accountability, and evaluation provides a means to ensure that these goals are achieved.