Evidence and Evaluation

“Governments now require greater scrutiny and assessment of public sector programs to determine whether they’re working. Evaluation is integral to decision-making – not an afterthought.” – Professor Patricia Rogers

Evidence and Evaluation focuses on ways that evidence can improve the design and development of government programs: the role of evidence in the development of policy and programs; how to find and evaluate new sources of evidence; and how good use of evidence can reduce the risks of decision making and improve program design. It will improve participants’ ability to provide oversight and guidance on the way evidence is acquired, assessed and utilized. Participants will become critical users of evidence and be able to appropriately use evidence to inform decisions.

This program is highly practical and applied. While it is essential to refer to theory, emphasis is placed on going beyond knowledge and working towards skill development that can be immediately applied in the workplace. The workshop takes a broad approach to the use of evidence and allows participants to bring issues from their current work for discussion.

Evidence and Evaluation incorporates a variety of inputs, group discussion and small group work. It gives participants an opportunity to consider their own workplace challenges in the space of evidence and evaluation.

On completion of this course, participants will learn:

• The role of evidence in the design and development of policy and programs 
• How to use evidence to understand the problem you are trying to solve 
• How evidence can help you choose among broad program options (and reduce the risks of decision making) 
• How evidence can improve detailed program design and how to apply it at different stages of program development 
• How to best communicate your evidence and outcomes to others 

Participants will be able to effectively conceive of, design, and execute evaluation protocols in their program development and implementation.  

The course is relevant to a range of people in the public sector involved in the design and development of new programs or the redesign/redevelopment of existing ones. These people may range from managers who provide oversight to these activities, as well as those involved in the detailed work of assessing program options and features. The workshop will help each of these groups better use evidence to support their role.

To enquire about this program, please contact ANZSOG’s Engagement Team, with the program name as the subject line, at engage@anzsog.edu.au or call us on 1300 ANZSOG (1300 269 764).

Read our cancellation, transfer and refund policy.