This handbook aims to provide basic guidance to those designing and delivering countering violent extremism (CVE) programs. The resource draws on a rapid evidence assessment of evaluation approaches in CVE and related social policy fields, as well as interviews with representatives from Global Counterterrorism Forum (GCTF) member governments, and subject matter experts and practitioners in the CVE field.

Included are eight evaluation tools that can be used to help measure the impact and effectiveness of particular CVE initiatives, and some ideas on how online tools – including social media and online surveys – can form part of a CVE program evaluation toolbox. Also provided are evaluation-focused lessons learned from other policy fields, including gang prevention and overseas development. A concluding section of the handbook briefly outlines some specific CVE initiatives – and CVE evaluation-focused lessons learned – from seven Western countries.