What Evaluators Look For

Last reviewed: April 2026

Although each scheme has its own framework, most evaluators are trying to answer a small set of practical questions. Is the project real? Is it aligned to the scheme? Is the company ready? Is the proposed support proportionate? And is there enough evidence to trust the case?

Core evaluation lens

A reviewer will usually assess:

• fit with the scheme objective
• credibility of the business problem
• quality and proportionality of the proposed intervention
• implementation readiness
• value for money
• evidence quality

Weak versus strong signals

Weak signals:

• generic language
• inflated benefit claims
• no baseline data
• unclear ownership

Strong signals:

• specific pain points
• coherent scope
• realistic outcomes
• practical implementation steps
• aligned documents

How to write for this lens

Write so that a reviewer can quickly see:

• why the project matters
• why this is the right time
• why this solution or activity is appropriate
• why the company can execute and document it

Important note

Warning
Evaluators usually do not reward complexity for its own sake. Clarity and credibility are stronger than elaborate wording.

Next step

Continue to Interview or Clarification Preparation.