Stories and news from across the sector including the monthly OPEN Exchange.
Event Reflection – Inside Story: The lived experience of how to support people exiting prison
On November 10th 2020, the Reintegration Puzzle and After Prison Network hosted ‘Inside Story: the lived experience of how to support people exiting prison’. During the webinar we heard from individuals who have had varying experiences in the justice system. The panel shared their thoughts on how services can offer the best support to individuals…
OPEN Learning System Grants 2020-2021: Introducing the projects
Fostering strong evidence informed practice and decision making The Learning System grants, funded by DHHS, and administered by OPEN, CFECFW, are seed grants provided to sector organisations to deliver projects which build their capacity and develop, apply and share evidence and transferable learning. The Learning Systems Grants are a key support to progress the recommendations…
Event Reflection – Unpacking the Invisible: examining domestic and family violence in culturally diverse communities
Settlement Services International (SSI) recently organised a panel discussion on unpacking the invisible struggles of domestic violence victims within our migrant and refugee communities. Nicola Berkovic (Moderator) – Legal Affairs Correspondent, The Australian Maria Dimopoulos – Former Chair, The Harmony Alliance Juliana Nkrumah AM – Domestic & Family Violence Project Manager, SSI Pallavi Sinha –…
OPEN Webinar Series: Outcomes Measurement
In 2019, OPEN commissioned a series of webinars on outcomes measurement – facilitated by Jen Riley from Clear Horizon. Clear Horizon are a leading consultancy in design and evaluation, who support change-makers across different fields to generate innovative programs and solutions. Although these webinars are from 2019, we are highlighting them again as you may…
Event Reflection – OPEN Forum: Evidence and learnings on remote delivery the first time around
Earlier this month, OPEN hosted this forum where speakers from different organisations shared insights on emerging evidence and lessons to understand remote service delivery. They discussed what is working, continuing challenges, and what is needed going forward. This forum was a follow-up to the OPEN forum in June on telehealth where the presenters talked about…
Event Reflection: Impact Measurement Best Practice at Mission Australia
Last month, OPEN attended a fantastic webinar hosted by SIMNA (Social Impact Measurement Network Australia), where Victoria Baird from Mission Australia spoke about their implementation of an impact measurement framework across the organisation. Victoria shared lessons for how to successfully embed measurement practices across a large organisation and a diverse range of programs – and…
Increasing fees for social work students would negatively impact workforce capacity and outcomes for children and families
Proposed Australian Government changes are threatening to increase the cost of studying social work. This runs contrary to strong evidence of the need for more qualified social workers. The Job-Ready Graduates Higher Education Reform Package 2020, which reportedly aims to attract students to qualifications in fields with good employment outcomes, is likely to more than double the cost…
Evaluation insights from a sector/university partnership on the Rapid Response Trial
Earlier this year, OPEN spoke to David Poynter from Anglicare Victoria and Dr Bengianni Pizzirani from Monash University about their Rapid Response™ Trial evaluation. You can read more about this program in the case study here. In this blog, we expand on the case study by sharing some of David’s and Bengianni’s thoughts and lessons…
OPEN Forum: Promising practices in remote service delivery
On June 11th OPEN held an online forum showcasing the creative and promising practices our agencies are using to keep children and families visible and safe during COVID-19. Joining us to share some of their innovative thinking and practices were: Tom Mulvaney – General Manager, Impact and Strategy, Family Life Toni Gauntlett – Manager Family…
Now and going forward – why evidence still matters
Currently the sector is grappling with the impact of COVID-19 on service delivery. It is understandable that evaluation – designing and measuring for outcomes – may have moved way down in the list of priorities. While we are at difference stages of this journey, we wanted to explore how we can harness evidence and data…
