COTEC has appointed SAGO Research to carry out its external evaluation and risk assessment. We spoke with Dominique Danau about the process and what members can expect.

Dominique, how do you see the purpose of this evaluation?

“For COTEC, the evaluation has a double function: accountability and learning. On the one hand, it is about demonstrating the value of COTEC’s work — how well the organisation delivers on its strategic goals, uses its resources, and creates impact for members and stakeholders. On the other hand, it is about reflection and improvement. We want to understand not only what has been achieved, but also how things were done and what can be strengthened for the future.”

What aspects will you be looking at?

“We will assess organisational effectiveness, governance, member engagement, and communication — both internal and external. We will also look at how relevant COTEC’s work is in relation to European policy developments and members’ needs. The risk assessment will complement this by identifying potential strategic, operational, financial, or reputational risks that could affect the network.”

How will members be involved?

“A participatory approach is essential. We will conduct desk research, analyse communication data, and organise interviews with a selection of members, Executive Committee representatives, and external stakeholders. We will also hold an Outcome Harvesting Workshop to discuss findings and co-create an action plan. Involving members helps ensure broad input and builds ownership of the results.”

What do you hope the outcome will be?

“I hope this process will provide COTEC with practical and actionable recommendations, as well as a risk framework that can be used in the future. Ultimately, the goal is to strengthen COTEC’s impact, sustainability, and relevance for its 33 member associations and the wider occupational therapy community in Europe.”