How Much Does Evaluation Cost in the UK? A Practical Budget Guide (2026)
Evaluation Budgets
How Much Does Evaluation Cost in the UK (2026)?
If you’ve ever tried to Google “evaluation cost” or “consultant evaluation rates UK”, you’ll know how hard it is to find a straight answer. Most organisations want a ballpark figure before commissioning, not to pin anyone down, but to plan well.
The Quick Answer: 6–8% of Your Total Budget
For most projects, allocating around 6–8% of your total project cost for evaluation is a reliable rule of thumb.
This typically covers data collection, analysis, reporting and meaningful reflection activity, and aligns with what many major funders expect to see in realistic budgets.
- Small or simple projects: 3–5% may be sufficient for light-touch feedback and monitoring.
- Complex or multi-partner programmes: 10–12% may be appropriate where detailed research, social impact measurement, or economic analysis is required.
Typical Evaluation Consultant Rates (UK)
If budgeting by day rate, typical ranges (excluding VAT) are:
| Type of Work | Typical Day Rate (excl. VAT) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Data collection & delivery support | £250–£350 | Suitable for smaller or local projects |
| Experienced evaluator / consultant | £350–£500 | Common range for arts, heritage & community programmes |
| Specialist evaluation (SROI, economic impact) | £500–£700+ | Advanced modelling or multi-site coordination |
These are broad benchmarks rather than fixed prices. Rates reflect complexity, responsibility, and the depth of insight required.
Why the Range Exists
- Complexity: number of partners, strands, or funders involved.
- Participants: scale and accessibility of the audience.
- Methods: surveys, interviews, focus groups or creative engagement.
- Depth: evidencing outcomes versus exploring how and why change happens.
- Outputs: summary reports, dashboards, or full social return analysis.
- Travel & coordination: multi-site or regional delivery.
If you’re budgeting for focus groups, typical UK costs often sit between £1,500 and £4,000 per session, depending on duration, participant numbers, incentives, analysis, and reporting.
Light-Touch or In-Depth?
Sometimes a light-touch approach — surveys, short interviews and reflective workshops — is sufficient and efficient.
In other cases, deeper research adds long-term value by mapping outcomes, analysing economic or wellbeing impacts, and capturing compelling evidence for future funding.
The goal is proportionality: a practical evaluation that helps you learn and improve — not one that gathers dust.
Planning a Project Budget?
We help organisations design transparent, proportionate evaluation budgets — often before funding is confirmed — so you know what’s realistic and why.
Evaluation. Measurement. Impact.