1. ACT Evaluation Capability We’ve talked the talk
ACT Evaluation Capability We’ve talked the talk.  Are we walking the walk?

2. Overview of the Presentation
What we said we’d do
recap of the ACT Government Evaluation Policy and Guidelines
What we’ve done
progress of implementation; milestones
What we’ve learnt
opportunities
What we’re going to do next
ongoing implementation

3. ACT Performance and Accountability

4. ACT Evaluation Policy and Guidelines
The ACT Evaluation Policy is “Better than Canada!”
The policy aims to:
improve the efficiency, effectiveness & appropriateness of government services; and
build evaluation maturity across government.

5. Evaluation Maturity

6. Evaluation Maturity Evaluation Maturity Culture Using Capacity
Conducting
Planning
Strategy

7. Evaluation Maturity Beginning Leading
Element
Maturity level
Beginning
Developing
Embedded
Leading
Culture
Demonstrated commitment to continuous learning and improvement throughout the agency.
Capacity
The agency is recognised for its evaluation expertise and innovative procedures and systems.
Planning
Evaluation plans are in place for most policies and programs.
Strategy
Sophisticated risk index and guidance material are used to prioritise and scale evaluation.
Conducting
Evaluation is almost universal and conforms to recognised standards of quality.
Using
Findings are used to optimise service delivery and have influence outside the agency.

8. If It Were You...
If you were set the task (or have previously been set the task) of building evaluation maturity in an organisation, what would you do?

9. ACT Directorate’s Evaluation Maturity
(2011 Directorate Evaluation Maturity Survey)

10. Key Achievements So Far
Directorate Evaluation Plans in place
a 4-year schedule of upcoming evaluations;
strategies to improve evaluation maturity; and
key evaluation achievements.
Staff training
High level of executive engagement
active oversight & implementation support from the ACT Policy Council (a Deputies forum).

11. Key Achievements So Far

12. Lessons Learnt
Resources are finite – it is a tough trade-off between resources dedicated to evaluation and resources dedicated to project implementation (or even a different project!)

13. Lessons Learnt
ONE ACT GOVERNMENT
ACT Performance and Accountability Framework, Reforms and Work Program
PLAN
Canberra Plan Review
Government Priorities
Strategic Service Planning
DELIVER
Annual Budget Papers
REPORT
Measuring Our Progress website
Statement of Achievement
Annual Reports
REVIEW
Policy Officers Network
Performance Measurement
Strategic Asset Management Planning
Continuous Improvement
Directorate Evaluation Plans
KEY
Already in place
Planned reforms under Performance and Accountability
Framework for Working Across Government
Capability Development
ACT Government Evaluation Policy and Guidelines

14. Lessons Learnt Role of the central agency Executive support
Lead change management
Build support
Maintain momentum
Facilitate and encourage peer to peer communication
Communication
Keep it ‘on the agenda’
‘Failing forward‘
Showcasing good performance

15. If It Were You... Who works in Project Management?
Who conducts evaluations?
Where do the results of your evaluations go?

16. Next Steps In Implementation

17. Committing and Re-committing
Change management is ongoing and challenging, requiring constant and clear communication

18. Questions Comments Feedback