aes18 International Evaluation Conference

Charlie Tulloch (Policy Performance Pty Ltd)

Ask any evaluator how they ended up in this field, and most will say that they fell into it. Right in the deep end. This can be overwhelming, with theoretical, methodological, logistical and ethical challenges to consider. This presentation will provide an introductory overview of the evaluation field, adapted from evaluation capability building materials prepared and delivered within a large professional services firm. It will explore various definitions of evaluation , outline the rationale for undertaking evaluations, outline the role of evaluation across the government policy cycle, detail the most suitable types of evaluation, and step through practical considerations relating to planning, conducting and reporting on evaluation findings. It will draw on the AES Evaluators Professional Learning Competency Framework to identify the skills that new evaluators should seek to build as they develop. By the end of this session, those attending the conference to learn the basics will have a better understanding about their development path, and the contribution they can make to extending their own practice = building personal capital.

AES Learning and Professional Practice Committee

In 2017 the AES commissioned Better Evaluation and ANZOG to explore options for strengthening the capacity and professionalisation of the evaluation sector. The report explores options to:

• increase motivation
• increase capacity
• increase opportunities.

The Learning and Professional Practice Committee (LPP) of the AES Board is interested in your views about priorities for skill development, learning pathways, embedding professional competencies and opportunities to increase demand for and strengthen the operating environment for evaluation.

We are holding two workshop style sessions and participants are invited to attend either one or both.
Workshop 1 will identify and discuss issues of most interest and concern to members. Workshop 2 will build on the first, and help shape the direction for the AES in strengthening the professionalisation of evaluation in Australia.

The outcomes of the workshop sessions will be shared at the conference closing plenary.

Influence is one of the key components of the AES 2015-2019 Strategic Plan. The AES Advocacy and Alliances Committee is developing an Advocacy and Influence Strategy in order for the AES to project its 'voice' and to enable it to better serve its members and the profession.

The Strategy is underpinned by the key principles of:

• Collaboration: (within the AES membership and between the members and clients) Inclusiveness: sharing information and ideas with clients and members
• Continual professional growth: (within membership and clients)
• Professional service: on behalf of and to our members
• Innovation: new ways to respond to new times

In keeping with these principles, the Advocacy and Alliances Committee is offering an opportunity for AES members to be involved during the Conference in a consultation and needs analysis session that will contribute to the design of the Strategy. The session will explore what needs or issues members have regarding advocacy and influence, and their thinking about the most relevant and useful approaches.


A background paper will be made available for participants to read prior to the session. 

Join the AES Board as we celebrate another year’s achievements by members of the AES.

Followed by:
'What could the Romans actually do for us?' - an interactive Forum on the concept of an Evaluator-General and what it could mean for AES members

Initially proposed by Nicholas Gruen, and more recently supported by the AES and stakeholders such as the Department of Industry, Innovation and Science, the concept of an independent Evaluator-General reporting to the Australian Parliament is showing signs of gaining traction. While many support the concept in-principle, what might its actual design and implementation look like, and what could this mean for AES members both internal and external to Government? Lead by a Panel, this interactive session will explore with the AES membership what are the possible implications for doing evaluation, evaluation capacity and capability building, and creating an independent arm, plus what it could mean for the status of evaluation, the sector and profession.

AES Learning & Professional Practice committee

In 2017 the AES commissioned Better Evaluation and ANZOG to explore options for strengthening the capacity and professionalisation of the evaluation sector. The report explores options to:

• increase motivation
• increase capacity
• increase opportunities.

The Learning and Professional Practice Committee (LPP) of the AES Board is interested in your views about priorities for skill development, learning pathways, embedding professional competencies and opportunities to increase demand for and strengthen the operating environment for evaluation.

We are holding two workshop style sessions and participants are invited to attend either one or both.
Workshop 1 will identify and discuss issues of most interest and concern to members. Workshop 2 will build on the first, and help shape the direction for the AES in strengthening the professionalisation of evaluation in Australia.

The outcomes of the workshop sessions will be shared at the conference closing plenary.