Debating Professional Designations for Evaluators

This paper provides a reflective account of a consultation process on professional designations for evaluators initiated and coordinated by the Canadian Evaluation Society (CES). Described are (1) the forces leading CES to generate discussion and debate about professional designations for Canadian evaluators, (2) the process of developing and implementing a request for proposals for a tentative action plan that would serve as a basis for debate, and (3) the subsequent development and implementation of a pan-Canadian, tripartite consultation process that involved CES members, CES Chapter organizations, and partners of the Society (including evaluation users). The paper concludes with reflections on the process and a summation of lessons learned.