Related frameworks, policies and guidance

Indigenous Evaluation Strategy

The Productivity Commission’s Indigenous Evaluation Strategy provides a proposed whole‑of‑government framework for Australian Government entities to use when selecting, planning, conducting and using evaluations of policies and programs affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

The strategy and supporting guidance, puts Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people at its centre.

It recognises the need to draw on the perspectives, priorities and knowledge of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people if outcomes are to be improved.

AIATSIS Code of Ethics

The AIATSIS Code of Ethics for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Research (AIATSIS Code), applies to academic research carried out in and by universities and publicly funded research agencies, governments and the private sector.

Scope

Its scope extends to human research, archival research and re‑use of data, formal evaluation and any other research activity.

The principles and practices outlined in this code may also apply to activities that may not constitute research, but can impact upon, or be of importance to, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, such as quality assurance and program monitoring and engagement, particularly by governments.

Ethics review

Applying the code does not necessarily trigger a review by a Human Research Ethics Committee.

Formal ethics review and guidance about when this is required is the responsibility of the National Health and Medical Research Council. Particularly sections 5.1.6 and 5.1.22 see National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research.

Indigenous Advancement Strategy Evaluation Framework

The Indigenous Advancement Strategy Evaluation Framework is a guide for the evaluation of programs and activities under the Indigenous Advancement Strategy (IAS), delivered by the National Indigenous Australians Agency.

The principles and core values of the IAS Evaluation Framework align with the principles set out in the Productivity Commission's Indigenous Evaluation Strategy.

Goals

The goals of the IAS Evaluation Framework are to:

  • generate high quality evidence that is used to inform decision making
  • strengthen Indigenous leadership in evaluation
  • build capability by fostering a collaborative culture of evaluative thinking and continuous learning
  • emphasise collaboration and ethical ways of doing high quality evaluation at the forefront of evaluation practice to inform decision making
  • promote dialogue and deliberation to further develop the maturity of evaluation over time.

Core values

Central to the IAS Evaluation Framework is a commitment to working collaboratively and recognising the strengths of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, communities and cultures as integral to evaluation in the Indigenous Affairs policy context.

These core values reflect the significant role of the strengths of Indigenous people in generating effective policy and programs:

  • build on strengths to make a positive contribution to the lives of current and future generations of Indigenous Australians
  • design and deliver in collaboration with Indigenous Australians, ensuring diverse voices are heard and respected
  • demonstrate cultural respect towards Indigenous Australians.

Regulator performance

Guidance on regulator performance assists Commonwealth entities that perform regulatory functions see RMG‑128 Regulator Performance.

Best practice principles

The guide outlines the principles of best practice that underpin the government’s expectations of regulators and their performance.

Guidance

It provides guidance to assist Commonwealth regulators to report on their performance against these expectations.

The guide applies to Commonwealth entities that:

  • are standalone regulators
  • perform a regulatory function within policy departments.

Develop tailored performance monitoring

It is recognised that regulation is not a one‑size‑fits all activity, and regulatory functions, resourcing and capabilities vary across Commonwealth entities.

Regulators should draw on the principles to develop tailored performance monitoring and reporting processes and performance measures that are appropriately scaled to their role, regulatory posture, specific remit and legislative environment, in consultation with their stakeholders.

Build evidence base

The guide emphasises the importance of building an evidence base to promote a continuous improvement approach.

This includes establishing monitoring and evaluation approaches that use data to provide performance insights and drive continuous improvement.

APS Craft: Strategy, Policy & Evaluation

The APS Academy is a central learning and development hub designed to help develop the capabilities that are fundamental to the roles of public servants. Referred to as APS Craft.

One of the 6 APS Crafts is Strategy, Policy & Evaluation.

Proficiency in strategy, policy and evaluation is key to the capability and professionalism of the public service.

Frameworks, tools, networks, research and academy courses are available to support those wishing to enhance their evaluation skills.

Reviewed 9 August 2023 Back to top