The guidelines are written for everybody involved in the initiation, development and implementation of validation and are meant as a source for inspiration and reflection, addressing common issues and challenges confronted across levels and contexts. They seek to clarify the conditions for developing and implementing validation, highlighting critical choices to be made by stakeholders at different stages of the process. The aim is not to promote a single ‘correct solution’ but rather to identify alternatives and their implications. This reflects that validation arrangements must be fit for purpose and designed according to different target groups and needs.
The guidelines contain the following chapters: Chapter 2 focuses on the importance of putting the individual at the centre of any validation arrangement, emphasising the need to respond to their needs and objectives. Chapter 3 discusses how validation is implemented in different contexts and connected to different policies in a sustainable, professional manner. These two first chapters are primarily directed to policy-makers and decision-makers, reflecting the strategic nature of validating policies. Chapter 4 presents aspects focused on validation provision and how the process can be coordinated and carried out. Chapter 5 discusses validation methodologies and tools. A concluding Chapter 6 aims at briefly bringing all the sections together.