ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the lived experience of youth and community work practitioners and in doing so identifies the detrimental effects of an over-reliance on the experimental evaluation approach. It draws on empirical data from a doctoral research project that sought to illuminate the experiences of a small group of youth and community workers in an English voluntary sector youth project. The chapter draws on empirical research to present the argument that practitioners can feel alienated from the process of evaluation because it appears incompatible with the nature of their work. Analysis of data gathered via in-depth semi-structured interviews provides an interesting insight into the everyday tensions and dilemmas that resulted, in particular the external direction of their work and the challenge to their professional values, purpose and ethos. Funders require evidence of outcomes, of 'value for money' and this is generally sought through a process of prescribed targets.
