Policy and program evaluation
Policy and program reviews help our clients to understand whether their policies and programs:
- achieve stated objectives
- are appropriate for the task
- have been implemented efficiently
- deliver value for money.
Traditional approaches to program and policy reviews assess how well a program or policy performs against stated objectives. However, this can overlook unplanned or unexpected program or policy impacts.
A more sophisticated approach evaluates all intended and unintended program impacts.
It is also important to distinguish between policy or program appropriateness and effectiveness. It is possible for a program to be appropriate, but ineffective. For instance, inadequate resourcing or lack of capability can make well-conceived and designed programs less effective. Appropriate programs and policies target the stated issue or objective.
Efficient policies and programs display three characteristics:
- technical efficiency - services are provided at lowest cost
- allocative efficiency - resources are allocated to provide the most benefit
- dynamic efficiency - new and better services are provided at lower costs over time.
How ACG can help you
ACG can help clients determine if their policies and programs are appropriate, effective and deliver value for money through:
- ‘fit for purpose’ reviews and evaluation frameworks
- selection of qualitative and quantitative techniques to identify, extract and analyse data
- targeted literature reviews
- analysis of existing data source
- workshops, focus groups and one-on-one interviews
- surveys - on line, telephone, paper-based and in person.
ACG understands complex policy and program environments. We have extensive experience in policy and program reviews involving sensitive issues, including consultation with vulnerable and disadvantaged groups.
Our clients include the Victorian Auditor-General’s Office, the Australian Government Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations, the Victorian Department of Health, the NT Department of Business and Employment, and NSW Department of Community Services.
Contact Jerome
Further reading
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Evaluation and influence
Policy development can be a complex and messy business, with many competing demands, considerations, advice and recommendations. A key consideration for analysts and advisers on policy development is whether their analysis and advice is accepted and used, and how to evaluate policy outcomes. These issues were considered at the recent Australasian Evaluation Society 2011 International Conference ... -
Measuring and communicating program benefits
Identifying the impacts of government funded projects is important. Fiscal constraints and efficiency savings have put a strain on many government policies and programs. This has led to a greater focus on the demonstration of impacts by the recipients of funds.
Related reports
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Feasibility study into a reverse Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) style program in Australian schools
The Australian Government commissioned this study which considered in detail the feasibility and merits of establishing a Japanese Assistants Supporting Australian Schools (JASAS) — or ‘reverse Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET)’ — program in Australia. The study will be provided to the Australia in the Asian Century White Paper Taskforce for their consideration. -
Independent review of policing in remote Indigenous communities in the Northern Territory : Policing further into remote communities
Review of policing in remote communities in the Northern Territory, including how to further policing by improving the services that are currently provided and by extending these services to more communities. The review makes recommendations around consistent service standards ; recruitment, training and development ; resource planning and funding considerations for extending policing to remote communities in the NT. -
National Breastfeeding Helpline Evaluation Research Report
The Australian Government commissioned the Allen Consulting Group to undertake an independent evaluation of the National Breastfeeding Helpline. The evaluation explored how the Breastfeeding Helpline contributes to breastfeeding practice in the community. -
NSW Government Employment and Economic Development Programs for Aboriginal people: Review of programs and broader considerations
This report commissioned by Aboriginal Affairs NSW reviews a number of NSW Government Aboriginal economic development and employment initiatives to determine their effectiveness in delivering the desired outcomes. -
Police, Ambulance and Clinical Early Response (PACER) Evaluation
Allen Consulting Group was commissioned by the Department of Health to evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of the PACER pilot in managing and resolving mental health crises in the community. The evaluation outlined a number of key findings about the pilot, which the Department of Health will use ongoing improvements to mental health services. -
The economic, social and environmental impacts of the Cooperative Research Centres Program
This report, commissioned by the Department of Innovation, Industry, Science, Research and Tertiary Education, examines the economic, social and environmental impacts of the Cooperative Research Centres Program.