AES Voices

What first inspired you to join the Australian Evaluation Society?
I was voluntold to do it by a former manager, to whom I am eternally gratefully, and who described himself as a ‘card carrying member of the AES’, a term I have now stolen.

What’s something you’ve gained through AES that you didn’t expect?
An understanding of how big this profession is and all the exciting career options. It’s nice to know there are so many things to try and all of them make an impact in a different way. I had often thought I would try out a bunch of different careers in my life, but I think I’ll actually be busy trying out every mode of evaluation.

When have you seen evaluation make a real difference?
I think the times I’ve really ‘seen’ it have been in little moments with evaluation users when working through something tricky. It could be a difficult finding, or a missing piece of theory, and once we get through all the mess they do something like a big nod and go ‘hmmmmmm, oh right!!’ and I get to see them change their mind and make a better decision in real time. And I’m like yes!! We’re doing it! We’re putting evidence into life-changing policies and programs or setting ourselves up to do that! There are obviously bigger stories about how impact is made but helping people ‘get it’ and then implement what they’re ‘getting’ from data and evidence is the real thrill for me, even though it usually involves some difficult conversations.

What do you wish more people understood about evaluation and its role in creating impact?
There is still a tendency (myth?) that evaluation is about checking if something is working and not about making things work better. Evaluation can and should be part of the innovation process. I want every policy and program designer to know that if they want evidence-based initiatives and continuous improvement, they should be taking on evaluation at the outset.

What does being part of AES mean to you?
To me – it’s all about the community. We can work on really hard or difficult things, but its made so much easier when you have networks or connections with others. The AES provides that space.

How has AES supported your professional journey?
In the earlier stages of my journey it provided a way for me to find my place. Workshops, the Conference, the Evaluation Journal, and just the people! It was a way in which I was about to learn, and work through what I wanted to know more about. Now, as someone who has been around for a bit longer it’s allowed me to gain new experiences in terms of leadership and governance – especially since joining the board – and to find myself the areas where I can contribute back to the sector. Evaluation is an inherently relational sector – the AES provides a space for us to connect and learn, and have fun at the same time!

What makes the AES community special to you?
The people! And the really wonderful thing is the AES is only becoming more dynamic and vibrant as we go. Everyone has and can play a role – and that’s where the magic lies in the AES.

What piece of work, project, or achievement are you most proud of and what did you learn from it?
There are many – and all for different reasons! Perhaps my most recent project I am proud of – and admittedly have been harping on about a lot, the Lawyer Wellbeing Systems Theory of Change for the Victorian Legal Services Board. It was a unique opportunity to try out new methods applied to a complex problem, but they also published all the outputs! So not just a great set of outputs, but it was working with an organisation being really genuine in their approach.

How has AES supported your professional journey?
Apart from evaluation knowledge and skills development I have gained (from attending webinars and various trainings), AES has also supported my journey as a consultant. Visibility via the AES consultant’s directory, as well as tender opportunities shared by the AES, has directly led to several project engagements both in Australia and overseas.

What’s something you’ve gained through AES that you didn’t expect?
Probably one thing I didn’t expect was that it really was a community, especially in Queensland where I was immediately warmly welcomed by the local reps at my first AES function a few years ago. I have enjoyed meeting many local evaluators, some of whom I’ve since been able to collaborate with too to work on evaluation projects together. Some of those contacts have become friends, and others people I can bounce evaluation ideas or challenges around with. I feel I’ve gained a professional family.

What piece of work, project, or achievement are you most proud of and what did you learn from it?
I am especially proud to be volunteering at the moment in an evaluation role in Indonesia, through the Australian Volunteers Program. The Australian Volunteers Program is an Australian Government initiative, supporting locally-led change.

My assignment is with the UN Global Pulse Asia Pacific to help them strengthen their monitoring & evaluation, with a particular focus on improving how they measure and communicate impact.

The UN Global Pulse is the UN Secretary-General’s innovation lab. It applies innovation to accelerate the achievement of the sustainable development agenda, running portfolios of on-the-ground innovation projects applying data, behavioral science, digital, behavioral science and strategic foresight methods to regional challenges.

Based out of Jakarta, but serving the wider Asia Pacific region, the hub is a frontrunner in practicing and advocating for inclusive innovation, using system design, big data, and artificial intelligence.

What do you want others to know about what evaluation is or what it could be?
Evaluation can be a mechanism to drive impact, not just measure it.