Evaluation in action: An introduction for community sector practitioners

This introductory workshop is designed for community sector practitioners who want to understand evaluation without the jargon, whether you're completely new to evaluation, or looking for a practical refresher. 

Across the session, we'll explore what evaluation actually means, why it matters and how to approach it when your programs are complex and change is hard to measure.

You'll leave with hands-on experience using three practical evaluation tools (program logic, theory of change and outcomes matrix) that you can apply directly to your own work to better understand, communicate and demonstrate your impact.

Learning outcomes:

• Describe and define evaluation and the different types of evaluation approaches.

• Understand key evaluation terms.

• Develop a Theory of Change to communicate how change will happen in your program.

• Create a program logic that offers an evidence-based roadmap for your program.

• Learn how to plan, measure and communicate your outcomes.

Lunch and light refreshments will be provided.

Dr Katie Blair – Research and Evaluation Manager, UTS Centre for Social Justice and Inclusion

Dr Katie Blair has extensive experience designing and managing evaluations, from complex state-wide government programs to local community initiatives. She specialises in collaborative frameworks, working seamlessly with diverse stakeholders, from government, academia, industry and community, to foster inclusive and equitable outcomes. Katie excels at embedding evaluation practices, developing innovative methodologies aligned with strategic goals, and building organisational capacity. Passionate about community empowerment, she brings a deep commitment to fostering shared decision-making and driving impactful, evidence-based solutions that respond to evolving community needs.

Hannah Morgan – Research and Evaluation Officer, UTS Centre for Social Justice and Inclusion

Hannah Morgan is a Social Worker and evaluator with over 15 years’ experience across health, government, community, and non-profit sectors. Hannah completed a Master of Evaluation, driven by a curiosity to understand how best to measure and demonstrate impact. Hannah’s evaluation work emphasises codesign, participatory research, and trauma-informed practice especially when working alongside marginalised communities. Hannah brings a strong social justice lens to evaluation, advocating that evaluation offers a way to demonstrate accountability, uplift community voices and increase ownership and use of evaluation findings.