Commonwealth Evaluation Policy

The Commonwealth Evaluation Policy (the Policy) aims to embed a culture of evaluation and learning from experience to underpin evidence‑based policy and delivery. It applies to all Commonwealth entities and companies subject to the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 (PGPA Act). It provides a principles-based approach for the conduct of evaluations across the Commonwealth.

This Policy has been developed to support entities to improve evaluation practices and capability, including the quality of performance reporting. This includes strategies to use evaluation as an input to the design of programs and build evaluation into the ongoing governance of programs.

This is intended to improve the way entities assess implementation, measure the impact of government programs and activities and frame policy decisions on revised or new programs. The Policy took effect from 1 December 2021.

What are the benefits?

• Strengthens the use of evidence in policy and program design, delivery and review.
• Promotes consistent evaluation practices across Commonwealth entities.
• Supports better decision-making and improved government outcomes.
• Enhances accountability, transparency and stewardship of public resources.
• Builds evaluation capability and professionalism across the APS.
• Encourages continuous learning and improvement in government programs and services.

What this resource covers

• Embedding evaluation into government business: Encouraging agencies to plan for evaluation throughout the policy and program lifecycle.
• Evaluation governance and accountability: Establishing clear responsibilities for evaluation leadership, planning and oversight.
• Building evaluation capability: Supporting agencies to develop the skills, systems and practices needed for effective evaluation.
• Using evidence to improve outcomes: Promoting the use of evaluation findings to inform decisions, improve programs and strengthen service delivery.
• Transparency and learning: Encouraging the sharing of evaluation insights to support organisational learning and continuous improvement.