aes26 International Evaluation Conference

Authors: Fiona Merlin, Hands Up Mallee, Gary Field, Empowered Communities, Suzanne Butler, Treasury, Jessica Smart, AIFS

This panel discussion and Q&A will provide a lively and thought-provoking discussion about the differences between traditional program evaluation and place-based evaluation, with panel members sharing their experience and examples from different organisational perspectives across the field.

Evaluation in a place-based context must be fit-for-purpose – this requires deep consideration of the relational aspects that underpin place-based work, knowledge and understanding about the places and communities involved, and different leadership and governance structures to support decision-making.

This panel discussion will focus on exploring place-based evaluation from multiple perspectives, including hearing views from:
•    whole-of-government
•    commissioned evaluator
•    community representatives leading place-based work in Australia.

The four presenters will discuss the unique opportunities and challenges involved in evaluating place-based work, drawing on the experience of monitoring, evaluation and learning processes in different place-based projects.

Key points will include:
•    Different purposes for evaluation: balancing the need for learning with the need to demonstrate impact and discussing how the focus of evaluation can change over the life cycle of a place-based initiative.
•    Skills and understanding needed for place-based work and the implications for government, community and organisations leading place-based evaluations: the importance of self-awareness, place awareness and cultural awareness to effectively partner in place-based evaluation. The multi-dimensional role of government and continued efforts to build evaluation skills, capabilities and leading practice across the Australian Public Service will also be covered.
•    Key factors that make place-based evaluation different: including the diversity of place-based work, the need for iterative and emergent evaluation processes, variation across communities and places, and challenges understanding effectiveness and impact.

Four presenters will have up to 7 minutes each to convey critical ideas and reflections from their perspective. Twenty minutes will be available for audience participation, questions and answers.