AES Alert: 4 March 2026 |
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Dear Visitor Our Regional Committees and Special Interest Groups delivered a packed program of free seminars and networking events over the past week. What made the week special wasn’t just the number of events, it was the people behind them. Each seminar was led by AES members who generously volunteered their time, shared their expertise and created spaces for meaningful learning and connection. Our members are not just participants; their knowledge and experience sit at the heart of what we do, bringing diverse perspectives from health, education, social policy, environment, international development, philanthropy and more.
Thank you to everyone who joined the sessions and to the Regional Committees and Special Interest Groups working behind the scenes to make it all happen. AES members will receive access to seminar materials and recordings via their member profile. This section is currently being updated as recordings and resources are finalised and added. Stay connected! Make sure you continue receiving the latest news and opportunities, take a moment to check that your member details are up to date. Login and update your details. |
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| Meet George - Top Dog at String Theory.
“He has an ability to relate to all life forms. He is passionate and curious... he does the business of disarming people.”
In this special edition of AES Voices, Lauren Siegmann shares how George works alongside her and how his welcoming presence has built a loyal following with colleagues and clients alike.
Both Lauren and George embody what it means to create spaces that are open, accepting and human. A big thank you to Lauren Siegmann for her time, creativity and passion in sharing this story with us. And thank you to Bobby, Hadil and Kate.
Watch to meet George: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mlIW9k8-xDQ |
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| Set yourself up for a great 2026: join the EvaluAdd buddying program! The EvaluAdd program pairs buddies with ‘EvaluAdders’, with the goal of developing participants’ evaluation skills and capabilities. Evaluadders and buddies meet informally, according to their own schedule. Check out more about the program, timings and find the EOI forms here. You can also read about an EvaluAdder and buddy experience on the AES blog. | |
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| AES is seeking expressions of interest (EOI) from members (including staff of organisational members) to join a 6–8 month project team - Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence in Evaluation. The team will develop an AES policy position to guide the ethical, culturally responsive and effective use of AI in evaluation - strengthening trust, rigour and professional standards.
Read the terms of reference
Submit your EOI: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/GJ7CCZN
EOI close 13 March 2026 |
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Help Shape the 2026 Conference Program in Darwin!
We’re looking for volunteers to help review conference papers for 2026 and play a key role in shaping an exceptional program.
All experience levels are welcome. Whether you’re new to evaluation, early in your career, or highly experienced, your perspective is valuable. Reviewing is also an excellent opportunity if you’re considering submitting a proposal in the future, as it offers insight into what makes a strong conference submission.
Review period: 24 March – 9 April 2026 (typically around two weeks)
Deadline to volunteer: 19 March 2026 Click here for more details and to volunteer |
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We’re delighted to announce the first aes26 Keynote Speakers, Dr Robyn Ober and Professor Bagele Chilisa. Their work aligns closely with the theme Making Space, Valuing Place and the unique context of Darwin. Additional speakers will be announced shortly. Read the full keynote bios on the aes26 conference website. |
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Deadlines for proposal submissions
Conference presentation proposals 19 March 2026 This years theme "Making space, valuing place" invites delegates to engage with the diverse perspectives and contexts that shape how we approach and use evaluations. We are making space for multiple disciplines, methodologies and worldviews to foster collaborative learning and shared understanding. By valuing place, we will honour Indigenous values and listen to the voices of our region from across Australia, the Asia Pacific and beyond. This is an opportunity to explore the breadth and depth of the evaluation ecosystem – welcoming evaluators, community leaders, funders, researchers, policymakers, data analysts, economists, implementation scientists, social scientists, international development specialists, educators, learning specialists, practitioners, and people with lived experience. |
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March 2026 April 2026 May 2026 | |
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The Of Interest section of the AES Alert includes information from international evaluation societies as well as upcoming events and other articles that may be of interest to our members and wider evaluation community. There is no charge to be included. Please send content to aes@aes.asn.au by Tuesday lunchtime. Your article should include a short blurb and any relevant links. Note that we don't include images or upload documents. Note that the AES reserves the right to refuse publication if we don't judge that your copy is of interest to members of the AES. Member notices are given preference. |
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Policy Performance Masterclass: All About Infographics
12.30-1.30 (AEDST) Wednesday 11 March 2026
Returning in 2026 by popular demand, this FREE lunchtime
session provides an overview of data visualisation considerations and options.
It will be led by qualified statistician Arun Callapilli, Research and
Evaluation Consultant. The session had over 120 participants in November 2025.
We will discuss: visual data story telling techniques; effective design
principles; strengths and limitations of different visual choices; tips and
techniques on creating infographics; avoiding common pitfalls; and promoting consistency
and accessibility in data presentations. Register via the Events tab on the Policy Performance
website: www.policyperformance.com.au |
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NSW Government Evaluation Library: NSW Government has launched their own Evaluation Library - a searchable, central collection of published evaluations from across NSW agencies. It consolidates reports on programs, policies and regulations, making it easier for public servants, researchers, community partners and the public to find and use evidence about what works. The library will continue to grow as new evaluations are published. |
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National Statement changes: Are you ready? The National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research is changing. Whether you're running government evaluations or procuring evaluation services, you need to know what's coming. Allen + Clarke recently hosted a free 45-minute webinar with their evaluation experts breaking down what's changed, when HREC review is now required, and exactly what you need to update in your ethics processes and evaluation design before the changes take effect. Watch the recording here. |
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New Resource: The It Depends Podcast with Matt and Tenille
Looking for a podcast that tackles questions without straightforward answers? Welcome to The It Depends Podcast, hosted by Matt Healey and Tenille Moselen from First Person Consulting. In each episode, Matt, Tenille, and their guests explore the tricky, nuanced world of evaluation, systems change, design, and complexity. It's your go-to source for thoughtful conversations, practical insights, and comfort in embracing uncertainty.
Find and follow the It Depends Podcast with Matt and Tenille on the Podcast host website, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts to get the latest episodes, and discover why the best answer to tricky questions often starts with "it depends…". |
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Iris Ethics HREC opens for applications
Following successful registration with the NHMRC, Iris Ethics has opened its Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC) for submissions, making it the first privately operated, open access HREC to focus solely on the evaluation, market research, and social research sectors. The committee is chaired by Professor Chris Maylea, an experienced social researcher and legal scholar, and includes people from all over Australia representing a range of lived and professional experiences and includes practicing evaluators. This ensures that reviews are completed quickly with an understanding of the research purpose and methodologies used, and that the committee can act as a trusted advisor and partner. Iris Ethics also delivers rapid reviews for lower risk evaluation projects and produces a growing library of resources to support ethical evaluation practice.
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Clear Horizon Academy – Courses Now Available Enrolments are now open for a range Clear Horizon courses, with AES members eligible to receive a 15% discount (just use the code “AES15” at enrolment to claim your discount).
Systems Transformation: Strategy and Evaluation | starts 13 March – This course has been developed to help changemakers and evaluators who are working to transform complex societal systems in the pursuit of a just, sustainable, and equitable world. This work goes beyond surface-level fixes and aims to shift the very structures, mindsets, and dynamics that shape social, economic, and environmental realities. In this course we explore how to develop strategy and evaluate progress while constantly learning. The content dives deep into the nature of systems transformation work, exploring what it truly means to change a system and the implications for strategy and evaluation in this context. The learning is grounded in real-world case studies, cutting-edge frameworks, and the experience of systems transformation leaders supported by a strong network of thinkers, academics, evaluators and practitioners. Importantly, you will learn the inner practices and mindsets required to navigate the inherent complexities and uncertainties of this vital work both as an evaluator and strategist.
FREE Webinar: Developmental evaluation beyond the label | 19 Mar | 9am – 10am AEDT –Developmental evaluation (DE) was designed to support adaptation in complex, innovative contexts. Today, many initiatives are applying DE principles—often without the label—alongside human learning systems, adaptive strategy and systems change. As timeframes tighten and pressure for solutions increases, the need for disciplined adaptation has never been greater. In this webinar, Jamie, Jess and Zoe explore how the DE toolkit is being used in practical ways in current conditions. They’ll discuss how DE supports systems change and how evaluation strategies can respond to different levels of uncertainty. Through real examples—from institutional purchasing and healthcare practice to child protection accountability—you’ll hear how early signals were recognised, leading indicators tracked, learning translated into decisions, and trade-offs tested. Join this practical conversation to learn how developmental evaluation strengthens adaptive strategy while maintaining rigour—and how to apply these skills with confidence. Complete Guide to Measurement, Evaluation and Learning | starts 27 March – This course is designed to equip you with the knowledge and the tools to effectively build and implement your measurement, evaluation and learning plan for your program to help you create maximum impact. MEL provides critical evidence and insights that can drive strategic decision-making and ongoing improvement, meaning greater impact and value for money for your initiative. Throughout the learning modules, you will explore how to scope, design, and implement a tailored approach to MEL for your context. We’ll peel the onion layer by layer. First, we unpack your theory of change – this will help you get super clear about how your activities will lead to outcomes. Next, we look at how to wrap a measurement framework around this. Then address some of the bigger questions – that’s the E in MEL. Finally, we look into how to visualise, learn and adapt throughout your MEL journey and take your teams and/or community along with you. MEL at Clear Horizon is guided by a set of 10 co-developed principles. This will help you place learning at the heart of measurement and pay attention to equity. The unique focus is on how measurement systems can feed real-time learning to enable you to create deeper and more equitable impact. |
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AES Blog
| We want to hear from you! What is interesting you in the world of evaluation? Have you attended an AES event recently and are keen to share what you learned? Please refer to the Guidelines for what and how to submit to the AES blog and if you have any questions, please email the team at blog@aes.asn.au. Check out the the latest AES blogs by clicking here.
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Job Vacancies | Employers looking to fill positions in program monitoring and evaluation and performance measurement can list their job vacancies on the AES website. This service is available to members and non-members for a small fee. Discover the benefits of advertising on the AES website as recruiters and for applicants. Local and overseas opportunities are listed throughout the year and are also included in the AES Alert e-newsletter. |
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Consultants Directory | The AES often receives enquiries looking for evaluators with specific areas of expertise. These enquiries are directed to the online searchable Consultants' Directory. As well as being 'discovered' by potential customers, consultants in the directory also enjoy receiving early advice on any call for Evaluation services tenders. AES members can be listed in the Consultants' Directory for a small fee. Log into the AES website and access the form here. |
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Logging On to Member Only areas of the new AES website | Members can now remain logged into the AES website rather than log in each time - simply click on the 'Remember me' box when loggin in. If you have forgotten your username and password, please email us at aes@aes.asn.au. |
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Become an AES member | Do you work as an evaluator, commission evaluation work, manage evaluation projects, are an academic teaching and conducting research, a tertiary level student or even a professional interested in evaluation and performance measurement? Are you interested in developing your knowledge and skills across evaluation theory, methods and practice while networking with other professionals involved in similar work? Then you will benefit from joining the AES. Click here for more information and to apply to join. |
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| We acknowledge the Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples of this nation. We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the lands in which we conduct our business. We pay our respects to ancestors and Elders, past and present. The Australian Evaluation Society is committed to honouring Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ unique cultural and spiritual relationships to the land, waters and seas and their rich contribution to society. |
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