The Quality Evaluation that Makes a Difference project is developing an AES policy position and practical guidance to strengthen understanding of what quality evaluation that makes a difference looks like and how it can be achieved.
Project team formed: November 2025
Project journey
2024 – Through consultation on the draft strategic priorities, members identified that while the AES had signalled what constitutes quality evaluation that makes a difference through its submissions, frameworks and awards, it had not formally articulated a position. Member feedback on the draft strategy showed strong interest in the AES developing a clear and inclusive position on what quality evaluation that makes a difference means.
2025 — The project was launched at the AES25 Conference with a fishbowl discussion exploring what “quality evaluation that makes a difference” means to AES members and the evaluation community.
Late 2025 — Following a strong response to an expression of interest, a project team was formed with experience across government, consulting, not-for-profit and international development settings.
2026 — The project team examined how the AES has previously described quality evaluation, reviewed how evaluation societies internationally approach quality, and explored research on evaluation use, influence and making a difference.
September 2026 — At the AES26 Conference, members were invited to consider and provide feedback on the emerging elements of quality evaluation that makes a difference through a facilitated roundtable discussion.
Current status
The project team has developed an emerging AES position and key elements of quality evaluation that makes a difference, informed by evidence reviews, project research and member input. The emerging thinking was tested with members at an interactive session at the AES26 Conference in September 2026.
Next steps
The project team will use feedback from the conference to make small refinements to the emerging position, followed by further member engagement including a survey and an online town hall. Targeted input from external experts and other stakeholders will also be sought. Feedback from this engagement will inform development of the proposed AES policy position and practical guidance, with the project working towards completion in March 2027.
Member consultation
We are now seeking broader input from AES members and would love to hear from you:
• Read our consultation paper
• Share your views by completing a short survey by Friday 27 November, or by written submissions to
• Join an interactive Town Hall following the AES AGM on 11 November
Your input will help shape an AES statement on Quality Evaluation that Makes a Difference, for consideration by the AES Board in March 2027. It is important that the statement reflects the views and experience of our members, so we encourage you to have your say!