Pre-Conference Workshop
Embedding practice improvement and monitoring, evaluation & learning (MEL) for evidence-informed child and family services
Abstract:
This full-day workshop is designed for practitioners in the child and family service sector seeking to strengthen their applied skills in structured approaches to practice improvement. Participants will be introduced to a newly developed framework integrated with a Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) approach. Together, these tools support reflective practice, enhance service delivery, and promote alignment with evidence-informed program design.
Child and family services operate in complex environments, where practitioners must balance immediate client needs with long-term goals and sector reforms. Embedding a practice improvement approach—grounded in continuous learning and adaptation—enables teams to reflect on what works, for whom, and under what conditions. When combined with MEL principles, this approach supports monitoring fidelity, tracking outcomes, and generating insights to inform both frontline practice and strategic decisions.
The workshop will explore how this integrated approach can be applied in real-world settings, using case examples and interactive sessions. Participants will build confidence in identifying priority areas for improvement, developing indicators, collecting data, and using findings to guide iterative changes to practice.
By the end of the day, attendees will be equipped to:
- Reflect on and strengthen their own practice;
- Monitor service delivery and client outcomes;
- Align with evidence-informed approaches;
- Gather evidence to help demonstrate impact to funders, partners, and communities.
This workshop is ideal for practitioners, team leaders, and service managers across the Families and Children Activity who are committed to improving outcomes for children and families. It offers a hands-on opportunity to build capability and connect with peers navigating similar challenges.
Biography:
This workshop will be delivered by members of the Evidence and Evaluation Support (EES) team at the Australian Institute of Family Studies. The EES team works with family and child focused service providers to build their capacity to plan, monitor and evaluate their family and child focused programs, and use evidence in their program design and decision making.
Kat Goldsworthy, Research Fellow
Kat is an evaluation capability building specialist. Since 2014, Kat has worked intensively with a wide range of service providers to build evidence of program effectiveness.
Emily McDonald, Senior Evaluation Officer
Emily is an Evaluator, Social Worker and Family Therapist. Emily has an extensive background leading and implementing whole of organisation practice, evaluation and service design work.
Sharnee Moore, Senior Research Manager
Sharnee is a senior researcher and evaluator. Sharnee leads AIFS’ Evidence and Evaluation Support project, and provides advice and guidance on other system and service evaluation work conducted by AIFS.
Jessica Smart, Research Fellow
Jessica is a qualitative researcher and evaluator. With a background in community development and health promotion, Jessica’s research focuses on the provision of social and human services.