Strategic Plan 2024–2028

First Nations evaluators leading a community of practice shaping the aspirations and practice of evaluation

The primary responsibility of the First Nations Committee, the Culture domain will build a strong community of First Nations evaluators, promote knowledge exchange between mainstream and Indigenous approaches.

It aims to ensure evaluators practice cultural safety and trauma-informed methods, advocate for First Nations-led evaluations, and embed ethical practices.

Priorities include evolving cultural safety frameworks, providing resources for First Nations evaluators, creating safe spaces for knowledge sharing, and guiding the development of an alternative to the reconciliation action plan for the organisation..

A strong professional identity and career pathways

The primary responsibility of the Pathways Committee, the Pathways domain will create a dynamic and evolving learning program that recognises evaluation as a rewarding career and supports the growth of both new and experienced evaluators.

It aims to establish clear frameworks for professional excellence, ensuring all guidelines align with cultural safety and organisational values.

Priorities include considering professionalisation, identifying new forms of support for evaluators, updating ethical guidelines, aligning workshops with competency frameworks, and creating professional development opportunities to meet members’ and the sector’s needs.

The trusted voice on evaluation in Australia

The primary responsibility of the Policy Committee, the Leadership domain will ensure that there is a shared understanding of the vision of ‘quality evaluation that makes a difference’ and to establish the AES as a respected source of thought leadership on key evaluation issues.

It aims to enhance the role of quality evaluation in government.

Priorities include building strong relationships within the evaluation ecosystem, developing policy positions and guidance on quality evaluation, providing the tools to advocate on relevant issues, and staying informed on evaluation practice trends..

A sustainable organisation fostering a sense of belonging, connections, and enhancing value for members

The primary responsibility of the Vitality Committee, the Vitality domain will ensure the AES is an inclusive organisation that understands and addresses the needs of its members and the communities they serve.

It aims to establish agile and sound governance structures and effectively communicate AES activities to members.

Priorities include developing a strategy to enhance member connections, reviewing products and services to enhance member benefits, creating a comprehensive membership and communication strategy, clarifying the member value proposition, and developing a membership retention strategy. .