We’re excited to launch AES VOICES, a new social media series celebrating the people who make the AES such a vibrant and diverse community.
We’d love to hear your story!
Whether you’re an evaluator, policy professional, researcher, educator, or someone who believes in the power of learning and evidence to make a difference, your voice can inspire others to connect, learn, and join the AES community. Your story will help others understand what AES is about and inspire more people to connect, learn and join. We’re looking for authentic personal reflections that show why evaluation matters and what being part of AES means to you. Express your interest by emailing
Caitlin Morton
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Organisation: Attorney-General's Department Position: Acting Director Location: Awabakal land | Newcastle AES Member Since: 2021 LinkedIn: Caitlin Morton | LinkedIn |
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.
Matt Healey
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Organisation: First Person Consulting Position: Principal Consultant | Co-Founder Location: Melbourne | Naarm AES Member Since: 2014 LinkedIn: Matt Healey | LinkedIn |
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.