Evaluation Framework Training Program

Local governments make a significant difference to the well-being of their communities through community development work. The outcomes of community development work, however, are often less tangible than other activities and can be more challenging to measure than the outputs associated with services.

This course if designed to equip those who are working to achieve community development outcomes with the practical skills to effectively measure the impact of their work. It builds on the development of the Community Development Evaluation Framework and Toolkit which was launched in 2020. Through applying basic evaluation principles and practices at a project or program level, participants will gain practical knowledge that they can apply to their own work context.

Throughout the program participants will have the opportunity to apply evaluation planning and measurement tools to their own projects and programs whilst also exploring other examples of evaluation practice from the community development sector.

Learning outcomes

Participants will build understanding of:

• The impact of community development work
• The value of measuring outcomes and impacts
• The different types of evaluation
• Key terminology in evaluation

Participants will build their skills in project/program evaluation through learning how to:

• Apply a program logic model and a theory of change
• Develop a program logic that identifies outcomes, activities and inputs
• Develop meaningful indicators and evaluation questions
• Identify qualitative and quantitative data collection methods
• Analyse and present evaluation results
• Build an evaluation culture and embed evaluation into their work practice

Program Flyer


Register Now

Presenter: Sarah Janali

Sarah Janali is a community strategist based in Perth, Western Australia. Sarah has an MA in Community Development and has over two decades of experience helping organisations engage with their communities to solve complex problems.

Having worked in local government for fifteen years Sarah has extensive experience leading place-based community development initiatives, social planning and a solid understanding of the operational and strategic context of local government. She holds a MA in International and Community development, a Bachelor of Arts with First Class Honours (Asian Studies & Political Science) and a Diploma in project Management. Sarah is a recognised leader in the local government sector. Most recently in 2023 Sarah was awarded the inaugural national Welcoming Cities Award for her individual contributions to social inclusion work in the local government sector.

In addition to her Australian experience Sarah also brings international insights as a Churchill Fellow, which enabled her to undertake international research in the US, Europe and Canada on the role of local government in building welcoming and inclusive communities.

Sarah has managed a range of local government services, including holding senior management roles at both the City of Stirling and the City of Canning.

In late 2022, Sarah left her role as Manager Community Development at the City of Canning to apply her skills more broadly as a freelance consultant. Since establishing her consulting practice Sarah has undertaken a number of strategy design and engagement projects with local governments, led a co-design project with the local government sector to develop and pilot the 'Measuring Our Impact' CD evaluation training and is currently working with the WA government on the development of a guide for local governments in implementing the principles of multiculturalism.