An inception report of an evaluation is prepared by an evaluator after an initial review of relevant documentation.
It sets out the conceptual framework to be used in an evaluation, the key evaluation questions and methodology, including information on data sources and collection, sampling and key indicators. The inception report also includes a timeline for the evaluation project and drafts of data collection instruments.
This four-page paper provides an overview to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) procedures for evaluation follow up and a template for managers to detail their action plans in response to evaluation findings.
This template for an inception report by United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime is structured around the same headings as the mid-term report. It provides an opportunity to set out the framing of the evaluation (its purpose and questions) and how these evaluation questions will be answered. What it doesn’t provide an obvious space for is an explicit discussion about any changes between the original terms of reference and what is being proposed in the inception report, on the basis of additional information or changing circumstances.
This checklist provides a framework for recording and checking the features of the planned evaluation. An interesting element is its focus on ensuring the evaluator is familiar with the reporting formats required by the commissioning agency.