Workshop: Introduction to Evaluation: Applied Techniques

Date and time: Tuesday 6 August and Friday 9 August, 9.30am to 12.30pm AEDT (registration from 9.25am) Registrants are to attend both sessions. (full day workshop - 2 sessions)

Venue: Via Zoom. Details will be emailed to registrants just prior to the workshop start time

Facilitator: Charlie Tulloch

Register online by: Monday 5 August 2024, unless sold out prior limited to 25 participants.

Fees (GST inclusive): Members $295, Organisational member staff $415, Non-members $485, Student member $140, Student non-member $226. Students must send proof of their full-time student status to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

Workshop Overview

Introduction to Evaluation: Applied Techniques introduces attendees to the theory and practice of four key data collection techniques that are regularly used by evaluators.

The first is interviewing, a critical skill to generate sound qualitative datasets from a diverse range of perspectives. The workshop discusses various interview types: structured, semi-structured and conversational interviews, plus different approaches to note-taking for later thematic analysis. Participants will have the opportunity to practice different techniques.

The second is observation, which allows evaluators to view things in their natural state. Underlying theory is discussed and an optional exercise is provided.

The third is survey design, with consideration for question design, the survey type (one-off, repeat cross-section design, cohort study), the survey mode (online, hard-copy, telephone) and sample selection. Attendees will practice designing questions and answer fields for later analysis.

Finally, case study design (mixed methods) will be considered, with an applied example allowing groups to explore different ways to address a set of key evaluation questions.

This workshop is aimed at those who are new or intermediate in the evaluation field.

Workshop Content

The workshop offers various exercises relating to:

• Conducting interviews

• Observation

• Survey design

• Case studies

Workshop Objectives

The purpose of the workshop is to share relevant background theory to the four techniques and to allow time for practical application in a low-risk setting, with other learners.

It aims to improve participants’ familiarity with different options, and confidence in selecting ways to collect sound data for evaluative analysis.

PL competencies

This workshop aligns with competencies in the AES Evaluator’s Professional Learning Competency Framework. The identified domains are:

• Domain 5 – Project management

• Domain 6 – Interpersonal skills

• Domain 7 – Evaluation Activities

Who should attend?

• Participants with an interest in learning about and testing different evaluation data collection approaches in a ‘safe to fail’ environment

• New or intermediate evaluators wishing to develop their skillsets

• Non-evaluators seeking to develop their research skillsets through evaluation.

Workshop start times

• VIC, NSW, ACT, TAS, QLD: 9.30am

• SA, NT: 9.00am

• WA: 7.30am

• New Zealand: 11.30am

• For other time zones please go to https://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/converter.html

About the facilitator

Charlie is a public sector evaluation and public policy consultant. Since mid-2008, he has worked in small, medium, and large consulting firms. He founded Policy Performance in February 2018 to support public sector policy development, implementation and evaluation.

Charlie started his career via the Victorian public service graduate program in 2004, then worked for the Department of Premier and Cabinet for four and a half years, providing policy advice in the areas of infrastructure, intergovernmental relations, economic development, tourism, major events, sport and recreation, and innovation.

Since turning to consulting, he has completed evaluation and reform projects across many portfolios, including Indigenous affairs, education and training (early childhood, primary, secondary and tertiary), industry/economic development, intergovernmental relations, community services, emergency services, out-of-home care, grants administration, sport and recreation, regional development and justice/corrections.

Charlie completed a Master of Evaluation in 2014 and was a tutor in Impact Evaluation at the University of Melbourne’s Centre for Program Evaluation between 2015-18. He was an online facilitator for Oxford University’s Evidence in Public Policy leadership short course in 2020. He was an AES Board member between 2020 and 2022.