PPMI carried out a study supporting the evaluation of the operation of Consumer, Health, Agriculture and Food Executive Agency (2014-2016) under FWC SANTE. The objective of the study was to assess effectiveness, efficiency and coherence of the implementation of parts of the Union programmes by the Agency during this part of the programming period as well as the legacy of the programmes and actions funded until the end of 2013. The study combined a retrospective and prospective analysis. If the former analysis assessed changes in the operations of CHAFEA during the evaluation period, the latter analysis informed the development of recommendations for improving the performance of the Agency in the future.
The study followed a single organisational model linking the following three sets of factors: (1) regulatory and operational framework, (2) enablers of the Agency performance (strategy and planning, people, other resources, partnerships and processes of an Agency), and (3) (intended and unintended) results. It also measured the main aspects of CHAFEA's performance based on quantitative or qualitative indicators on efficiency, cost-effectiveness, effectiveness and value for money. As part of the assignment, PPMI evaluated key workload drivers, assumptions and productivity indicators underpinning the workload analysis and staffing estimates of the 2013 CBA against the actual situation. In addition, the research team developed a comprehensive workload assessment model tailored to the tasks delegated to the Agency. Over the course of the evaluation, the research team also consulted with CHAFEA and other relevant stakeholders to pin down the business processes involved in the management of EU grants and other financial instruments. The stakeholder consultation strategy included three surveys, six case studies and an extensive interview programme. PPMI tailored the evaluation strategy specifically to reflect the broad portfolio of programmes and funding instruments managed by the Agency. Furthermore, PPMI compared CHAFEA's performance to other organisations considering the specificity of the programmes delegated to CHAFEA and the recent developments in the Agency aimed at improving efficiency and effectiveness in its performance.
Over the course of the project, the evaluation team assessed the Agency’s regulatory framework, mission and governance, evaluated its performance in 2015-2018, conducted cost-benefit analysis as well as developed conclusions and policy recommendations. The results of the study were submitted to the Steering Committee of CHAFEA and other Commission services. The evaluation helped the Commission services to assess whether the functioning of the Agency has yielded the expected positive results as estimated in the ex-ante Cost-Benefit Analysis for the delegation of tasks to the Executive Agencies and identify potential areas of improvement. Furthermore, the workload assessment model developed by PPMI on the basis of the specific tasks delegated to the Agency has been further used by the Commission in preparation for the 2021-2027 MFF programmes.