In September, four of our researchers (above) attended the Australian Evaluation Society’s International Evaluation Conference in Melbourne, where they explored powerful insights relevant to ISCRR, especially in the areas of organisational strategy models, cultural safety, trauma-informed evaluation, lived experience and AI in research.
Monash University’s Dr. Shefton Parker and Amanda Sampson introduced an organisational collaborative strategic learning model designed to strengthen resilience amid today’s rapidly changing global environments. With disruptions often impeding traditional strategy implementation, this model provides an alternative, using evaluation methodologies to continuously sense, analyse, and respond to strategic insights in complex systems. By embedding this evaluative approach into strategy and governance, organisations can enhance agility, collaboration, and resilience across operational layers, supporting evidence-based decision-making.
Cultural safety was another key focus, defined as “addressing power differences and inequity,” with an emphasis on “awareness, sensitivity, and competence.” This raised questions like, ‘How can we foster a more culturally safe environment for our researchers and participants?’ and ‘What does ‘culturally safe’ mean in our context?’ Trauma-informed evaluation also resonated deeply, leading us to consider how we can better promote choice and empowerment, and examine the underlying assumptions in our processes.
The conference also highlighted the value of lived experience in research, particularly in areas such as violence against women, modern slavery, and engaging children and young people in research. Strengths-based methods were at the forefront, emphasising the importance of acknowledging and empowering participants by recognising their capabilities and knowledge.
AI also featured prominently, with discussions around its use in analysing qualitative research. Critical considerations included transparency, the ethical use of AI, and how we, as users, interact with the technology.
These reflections will undoubtedly shape how we continue to evolve our evaluation practices at ISCRR, ensuring they are inclusive, ethical, and impactful.
Image above (from left to right): Dr Faye Forbes, Dr Sarah Oxford, Olivia Crivari and Ashleigh Blair.