AFRC Issues Paper 6, 2010

Issues Paper 6 comprises a series of five papers aimed at prompting providers to think carefully and systematically about evaluation, and to guide and support them through the evaluation process. These papers are not intended to turn practitioners into expert evaluators. They aim to build the capacity of practitioners to design and conduct or collaborate on evaluations of their programs and services, and to:

• feel reasonably confident in their ability to formulate and implement an evaluation plan in their agency;
• be able to anticipate and address the practical requirements of the various stages of an evaluation, including the resources and infrastructure needed to support an evaluation; and
• understand what needs to happen at each stage of the evaluation to the extent that potential obstacles can be anticipated and, if not overcome, at least managed or accommodated.

While the papers are related, each is also designed to stand alone. Related terms, concepts and sections are cross-referenced. The papers can be read in any order. The Quick Reference Guide will allow you to navigate across the papers to find information quickly and easily.

The emphasis in these papers is on the practical task of designing, conducting, interpreting and reporting an evaluation. Where appropriate, references and links to other resources will be provided.

The author

Robyn Parker is a Senior Research Officer with the Australian Family Relationships Clearinghouse.

Acknowledgements

The author would like to acknowledge Lyn Fletcher, Dr Kristy Muir, Sam Page, Dr Jenny Higgins and Elly Robinson for their valuable suggestions and feedback on this paper.