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The 7 Phases of evaluation in DET

Evaluation is the process of determining the merit, worth or value of on-going or completed services, projects, programs or policies through systematic and objective assessment. If something has value, it is valuable for some reason. Evaluation should be conducted for action-related reasons, and the information obtained should assist in decision-making.

Evaluations are part of the planned, periodic reviews of investments, policies, projects, programs and funding models that are vital to strengthen stakeholder and community confidence in the department's capacity to appropriately invest public funds and deliver robust outcomes.

Ultimately, the knowledge gained through evaluations act as a check on how well the department is meeting its obligations to the community to provide Queenslanders with the knowledge, skills and confidence to maximise their potential, contribute productively to the economy and build a better Queensland.

The evaluation of a program can:

clarify what an initiative is intended to achieve and the types of outcomes expected
provide insight around risks and challenges used to refine the implementation
increase the focus on effective performance measurement and improvement
provide mechanisms for engaging and communicating with stakeholders
improve the quality, consistency and timeliness of evidence to support innovative decision-making.

The department's evaluation process has seven (7) phases.

Evaluation quality built through 7 touch points for support, advice and feedback

Designing the evaluation

Phase 1
Map program

Phase 2
Develop evaluation proposal

Evaluation
Steering
Committee
(ESC)
key governance
& review body

Collecting data that counts

Phase 3
Collect data

Phase 4
Analyse data

Evaluation report preparation

Phase 5
Draft evaluation report

ESC
key
governance
& review
body

Phase 6
Finalise evaluation report

ESC
key
governance
& review
body

Communicating results

Phase 7
Communicate findings

Evaluation Governance Groups (EGG): Direct, monitor and assure quality and conduct of the evaluation at each phase

More detail is provided in each of the following phases:

Beginning the evaluation
Phase 1: Map program
Phase 2: Develop an evaluation proposal
Phase 3: Collect data
Phase 4: Analyse data
Phase 5: Draft evaluation report
Phase 6: Finalise evaluation report
Phase 7: Communicating results

Contact Evaluation Services
Governance, Strategy and Planning Branch
Lvl 20 & 3. Education House, 30 Mary Street, Brisbane
PO Box 15033, City East, Q 4002
Phone: (07) 3405 5172 Fax: (07) 3237 0013
Email: GSPmailbox@deta.qld.gov.au

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