International Practices on ex post Evaluation

This chapter starts by describing the definition and purpose of ex post regulatory evaluation, establishing it as a critical step in the regulatory policy cycle. It reviews different methodologies to undertake ex post evaluation, concluding that there is no single template to do it, but rather there are common themes and questions that must be addressed in the process. It argues that there are important links between ex ante and ex post evaluation and that an integral approach for regulatory governance must consider both, as they reinforce each other. Just like in the case of methodologies, there is no uniform model of parliamentary ex post evaluation unit. While some parliaments have formal units dealing with evaluation, others rely on a mixture of research bodies, libraries, and committees. Finally, this chapter discusses the contributions that different stakeholders can make to ex post law evaluation, including strategies for effective public engagement, for which parliamentary contacts and procedures should be regularly reviewed.