When is the ideal time for a Post-Evaluation Review to occur?

The ideal time for a Post-Evaluation Review is typically set to occur within 6 to 12 months after the commencement of the service. This timeframe allows for a sufficient period to have passed so that the effects of the project can be observed and assessed. By this stage, stakeholders can evaluate whether the project has achieved its objectives and how the expected benefits are materializing in practice.

Conducting the review within this period is strategic because it enables the identification of any early issues, allows for adjustments to be made if necessary, and provides an opportunity to capture learnings while the experience is still fresh in the minds of those involved. This approach ensures that decisions regarding the project’s future or its potential enhancements are based on relevant and timely information.

The other options do not align with best practices for a Post-Evaluation Review. Reviewing immediately after service commencement may not provide enough data to evaluate outcomes meaningfully, as the effects of the project are still unfolding. An 18-month delay could prevent timely responses to challenges, and waiting for a client request could lead to missed opportunities for improvement that the project team might otherwise have had the chance to address proactively.