Assessing the added value of LEADER. Guidelines

The purpose of these guidelines is to provide the background and rationale for assessing LEADER added value in the context of the 2023-2027 CAP Strategic Plans (CSP) and then to set out an example of an evaluation framework on how to do it in practice. The evaluation framework is based on the assumption that the LEADER approach can provide added value – in other words, produce benefits (not necessarily in financial terms) that outweigh the additional costs involved in the application of this method – and that this added value consists of three main components: improved social capital, improved governance, and enhanced results and impacts of projects implemented within the Local Development Strategies (LDS). The guidelines consist of four parts: Part 1 provides context and offers a short overview of the LEADER added value concept. Part 2 focuses on the operationalisation of the LEADER added value concept to be used as a basis for the development of the evaluation framework. It identifies considerations for the development of an evaluation framework. Part 3 proposes an example of the evaluation framework for assessing LEADER added value. An example of an evaluation framework is developed for each component of LEADER added value and their elements, including evaluation questions, relevant factors of success and related output, result, and impact indicators. It also reflects on data sources that are linked to the proposed examples of evaluation framework. Part 4 provides insights on what to consider when interpreting the evidence provided by LEADER added value indicators and related factors of success, in order to answer the evaluation questions. The eight annexes of the guidelines provide practical tools that can be used in analysing LEADER added value, for instance: › Detailed indicator fiches for each indicator included in the pro- posed evaluation framework (Annex 1). › Examples of the LAG-level monitoring database (Annex 2). › FactorsthatfacilitateandimpedemeasurementofLEADERadd- ed value (Annex 3), and examples of linking LEADER principles with added value components (Annex 4). › Detailed evaluation framework that includes additional indicators per LEADER added value element (Annex 5). › Examples that show how the evaluation framework proposed in these guidelines can be applied in practice (Annex 6). › Working definitions (Annex 7) and references to the information sources used in this document (Annex 8).