External evaluation of the European Training Foundation (ETF) : final report by the EFECTIV Consortium

The main evaluation conclusions and recommendations are summarized as follows. Firstly, the ETF effectively shapes the course of VET developments in partner countries although steps could be taken to further improve effectiveness in certain areas. Secondly, the capacity of partner countries to absorb ETF interventions varies and requires attention and tailoring. It is thus recommended that the ETF should do more to understand systematically where its interventions are likely to have most effect and how the nature of required activities may vary depending upon factors such as country size and general stage of development. It was additionally found that the Torino process has been a key and successful development for the ETF and many partner countries. The Torino framework should be used to identify the conditions needed for the success of interventions and thereby establish which interventions need to take place in which sequence to guarantee a greater chance of success. Furthermore, a gap exists between the high quality of ETF activities and the implementation and sustainability of subsequent policy reforms. The ETF and the EC should therefore work together to ensure more systematic links between ETF projects, and EU programming and technical assistance. Also, further steps should be taken to improve communication and coordination between the ETF and the EC, so that the ETF is clearer as to how the priorities of different DGs are to be balanced through a stronger focus on strategic issues in the process of preparing Work Programmes, and through better articulation by the ETF of its objectives at the strategic and detailed partner country levels. An additional point regard the ETF's new organisational arrangements, which is thought to have the potential to deliver benefits, though consideration should also be given to particular drawbacks. Lastly, there are no prima facie reasons for concluding there are major issues with the ETF's cost-effectiveness but some steps could be taken to improve efficiency.