"Adds to an astonishingly slim collection of works that seek to make evaluation widely accessible. Prof Parsons' contribution has enormous potential to assist in the relationships building needed between evaluators and the policy community to enhance evaluation and its use." J Bradley Cousins, University of Ottawa "This book gets to the heart of the practical and methodological issues evaluators face. An excellent resource for social researchers and commissioners alike." Lindsey Bowes, Research Director, CFE Research "Evaluating the effects of spending public money is crucial, but in many policy areas it is easier said than done. David Parsons draws on his considerable experience in this very accessible introductory guide which will be of interest to both evaluators and policy leads." Barbara Leach, Head of Evaluation, WRAP "A concise and highly engaging text that provides a valuable overview of the growing and important area of evaluation. Those new to evaluation; researchers, commissioners and policymakers alike, will find this book an accessible and important resource" Stephen Morris, Manchester Metropolitan University