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Evaluation is a core part of our business, whether it is directly conducting independent program evaluations, designing frameworks and strategies, building the capacity of organisations, or reviewing the quality of evaluations. We bring a strategic approach to evaluation within the broader settings of evidence-based policy and organisational change. For example, in recent years we have developed methods to meet the demand for evaluation of partnerships in service delivery.
Our consultants are active members of the Australasian Evaluation Society, and Chris Milne, Principal Consultant (Evaluation), is an inaugural Fellow of the Society.
Program evaluation
Evaluation is a diverse and developing field. We draw upon the wide range of designs and methods to meet the purpose of each evaluation or review. The aim is to generate systematic quantitative and qualitative data that leads to credible conclusions. We produce reports that highlight the key findings, supported by sound evidence and balanced arguments.
We have successfully completed over 150 evaluations of programs in health, housing, justice, education and environmental fields. For details about some of the projects we have delivered see the our experience section of this website.
Our work is well regarded by our peers, and we were recognised with the AES Best Evaluation Study Award in 2001 (Commended) and in 2002.
Evaluation strategies and frameworks
We design strategies, frameworks and indicators for organisations to monitor and evaluate their programs.
For example, we worked with the NSW Department of Housing to develop an evaluation strategy for the NSW Housing and Human Services Accord. We are developing performance frameworks for programs across the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FaHCSIA). We have developed evaluation frameworks for the NSW Cancer Institute, for the Two Ways Together strategy led by the NSW Department of Aboriginal Affairs, and the On Your Bike program for the Department of Environment and Climate Change. We recently developed an organisation-wide evaluation strategy with the NSW Department of Ageing, Disability and Home Care.
Evaluation advice and meta evaluation
Drawing on our expertise in evaluation, we advise organisations on major evaluation projects, train staff, and develop strategies for evaluation.
We have run workshops for managers in NSW government agencies on setting priorities for evaluation. We are providing specialist advice to the New Zealand Tertiary Education Commission on the evaluation of the Performance Based Research Fund, a new scheme for funding university research.
We recently conducted a meta evaluation of Aboriginal-specific programs for a senior committee in the NSW Government, in order to assess the quality of program evaluations, and the value of their findings for government decisions.