Critical appraisal of the establishment of a theory-informed evaluation capacity building function in a large government department

Abstract

Evaluation Capacity Building (ECB) is a critical function that can increase uptake, quality and impact of evaluation activity in large organisations. This article describes how ECB theory has been applied in the design and implementation of foundational evaluation training in a large state government department. Appraisal of the first three years (2018–21) establishing the training component of the capacity building function is explored, in light of contemporary capacity building literature. Post-training feedback indicated high degree of participant satisfaction and met need among department staff. One-year follow-up of training workshops indicated that over two-thirds of respondents (68 percent) found evaluation training had a lasting impact on their work, and that participants continued to use evaluation support materials and apply what they had learned. The article provides practical information on this theory-informed approach, to support others who are commencing or delivering evaluation capacity initiatives within public sector agencies or other large organisations, including for those who are adapting training for online delivery during COVID-19. The article identifies lessons learned, including through the experience of moving training online during the COVID-19 pandemic, and presents opportunities to increase the impact of evaluation capacity building.