The INDEED Evaluation Podcast

Ep. 15 Leena Malkki "Strengthening cooperation between researchers, policymakers and practitioners"

In this episode Kai Brand-Jacobsen sits down with Dr. Lena Malkki, a leading expert in the field of Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (P/CVE) and de-radicalisation. Together, they dive deep into the critical role of collaboration in these areas, highlighting how involving evaluators early in the process can bridge the gap between on-the-ground realities and research insights, leading to more effective, evidence-based outcomes. Dr. Malkki shares her insights on the unique advantages academic researchers bring, particularly their deep understanding of the sensitive and complex nature of violent extremism, and how this complements the technical expertise of consultancies. They also explore the growing importance of institutional mechanisms like conferences and knowledge hubs that facilitate collaboration between researchers, policymakers, and practitioners. These platforms are essential for not only sharing evaluation results but also for exchanging good practices and lessons learned, helping to elevate the field as a whole. Additionally, Dr. Malkki discusses innovative proposals for creating repositories and communities of practice that could revolutionize the approach to evaluations in PCVE and de-radicalisation. See also the video interview here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLG366E4Mgf7-3nOd-Dh0Bto1IZFiU6Ax6 [https://lnkd.in/dqKKupJi] For more information about the INDEED Project visit our website: www.indeedproject.eu

Ep. 14 Lotta Rahlf "Insights from country-comparative analysis of PCVE evaluation structures & capacities"

In this episode, we dive into the fascinating research of Lotta Ralph, a doctoral candidate at the Peace Research Institute in Frankfurt, who is exploring the evaluation structures and capacities in preventing and countering violent extremism (PCVE) across Europe. Lotta shares insights from her comprehensive study spanning 21 European countries, highlighting how political decision-makers, civil society organizations, and researchers interact to produce and utilize high-quality, evidence-based evaluations. We discuss the challenges of creating effective evaluation systems, the role of knowledge management, and the potential for innovative approaches to enhance the impact of PCVE initiatives. Tune in to learn about the future of evaluation in this critical field and how it can inform better policy and practice. See also the video interview here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLG366E4Mgf7-3nOd-Dh0Bto1IZFiU6Ax6 [https://lnkd.in/dqKKupJi] For more information about the INDEED Project visit our website: www.indeedproject.eu

Ep. 13 Kamala Chandrakirana "Grounding the Learning Journey in communities of practice"

In this episode, we are joined by Kamala Chandrakirana, a distinguished human rights activist with extensive experience in gender equality and social justice. Kamala Chandrakirana discussed the inadequacies and biases prevalent in traditional monitoring and evaluation (M&E) practices, often led by so-called experts who lack contextual understanding. These evaluations typically reflect the prejudices and perceptions of the evaluators, failing to provide genuine insights or foster meaningful impact. The civil society organizations, dependent on these evaluations for grants, often respond in ways they believe are expected, further diminishing the process's authenticity and productivity. In response, Kamala introduced a paradigm that focuses on understanding impact through a process of collective learning grounded in the experiences of partners on the ground. See also the video interview here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLG366E4Mgf7-3nOd-Dh0Bto1IZFiU6Ax6 [https://lnkd.in/dqKKupJi] For more information about the INDEED Project visit our website: www.indeedproject.eu

Ep. 12 Deepthy Menon "Feminist Thinking on Evaluation"

In this episode we meet Deepthy Menon from Urgent Action Fund Asia and the Pacific, where she leads the Shifting Narratives and organisational learning initiatives. Deepthy brings a fresh perspective on reimagining feminist evaluation and reshaping power dynamics in the development sector.  Deepthy delves into the core challenges and opportunities in transforming traditional evaluation methods. She argues that traditional evaluations, often imposed by donors, can feel abusive and judgmental. Instead, she advocates for approaches that support peacebuilding, agency, and collective progress, promoting evaluation as a tool for change rather than a mere endpoint. See also the video interview here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLG366E4Mgf7-3nOd-Dh0Bto1IZFiU6Ax6 [https://lnkd.in/dqKKupJi] For more information about the INDEED Project visit our website: www.indeedproject.eu

Ep. 11 Peter Muyshondt "What Practitioners Need from Evaluation A View from the Belgian Police"

In this interview, Peter Muyshondt, Chief of Police in Rupel, Belgium, sheds light on the evaluation needs within the Belgian police force, particularly regarding their approach to radicalization prevention and intervention. Belgium's police system operates at both local and federal levels, with local police focusing on prevention and federal counterparts on repressive measures, all under a coordinated mechanism chaired by local mayors. Despite this structure, a critical challenge identified is the lack of comprehensive evaluation practices to assess the effectiveness of their strategies. The police force requires external evaluators equipped with robust indicators to conduct thorough evaluations, as internal resources and time constraints limit their ability to do so independently.  By integrating straightforward evaluation tools and involving frontline officers in the process, the aim is to enhance practical learning and continuous improvement within police operations. See also the video interview here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLG366E4Mgf7-3nOd-Dh0Bto1IZFiU6Ax6 [https://lnkd.in/dqKKupJi] For more information about the INDEED Project visit our website: www.indeedproject.eu