Evaluations

Robust and Independent Assessment

We provide independent evaluation of policies, programmes and services. We offer the full range of evaluation services – from rapid “in flight” reviews to complex, large-scale and multi-year evaluations.

We work with you and your stakeholders to design and implement reviews and evaluations using customised approaches that are tailored to the context.

Our evaluators are skilled in a range of evaluation theories, and qualitative and quantitative methods. This means we can deliver a comprehensive evaluation product.

What we do

We provide end-to-end evaluation services, including:

Developing outcomes frameworks, logic models and results measurement frameworks
Ex ante appraisal (e.g., cost-benefit analysis, economic impact analysis, regulatory impact analysis, business cases)
Stakeholder engagement, including interviews and focus groups, consultation documents and submissions analysis
Results monitoring
Evaluation scoping and design
Independent evaluations and reviews
Policy development, programme design and service planning.

Methods we often use include:

In-depth interviews and focus groups
Surveys (including paper-based and online)
Case studies
Data analysis, including analysis of statistical and administrative data, and advanced modelling
Quantification of “hard to measure” outcomes such as intangible social, economic and cultural impacts
Analysis of financial performance, efficiency and value for money.

Publications

Evaluation of the St John Clinical Hub
Evaluation of MFAT’s Partnerships Fund
Evaluation of the Rugby World Cup 2011 – Auckland
The cost effectiveness of bowel cancer screening in New Zealand: A cost-utility analysis based on pilot results
Review of the transforming dairy value chain primary growth partnership

Our team has decades of experience in the provision of expert evaluation services, ranging from large and complex matters (with quantum exceeding $100 million) to small quantum or single-issue matters.

Key contacts

Matt Balmford

Director
MELBOURNE
mbalmford@thinkSapere.com

David Moore

Managing Director
WELLINGTON
dmoore@thinkSapere.com

David Graham

Managing Director
MELBOURNE
dgraham@thinkSapere.com

Dr Vijaya Ramamurthy

Some of our recent articles of interest

Staff spotlight – Sue Friend

This month we spotlight Sue Friend, a Managing Director in our Forensics team. Sue shares her love of the outdoors and hiking and finds this brings balance to her work at Sapere.

Thinking about utility customer engagement

In this article Dr Richard Tooth examines developments in how regulated utilities engage with their customers, the problem of uninformed respondent bias and other issues.

Sunset review of the regulations for Victorian private health service establishments

Client: Victorian Department of Health

This report analyses proposed changes to Victoria's Health Service Establishment Regulations, focusing on improving clinical governance, safety, and quality. The RIS reviewed the impact of these changes and provided recommendations.

Staff spotlight – Dr Jamie O’Hare

This month, we spotlight Dr Jamie O'Hare, Managing Economist and proud new dad to baby Stirling, as he shares his professional insights and personal joys.

Distilling success for Victorian spirit exports

Client: Agriculture Victoria

The Australian craft distillery sector has grown significantly, with Victoria now having 188 distilleries. Sapere, commissioned by Agriculture Victoria, identified priority markets and developed market entry strategies for Victorian spirit exporters.

Staff spotlight – Jeremy Thorpe

Sapere welcomes Jeremy Thorpe, our new Director, recently featured in the Australian Financial Review. Kicking off our staff spotlight series, Jeremy generously shared fascinating insights into his career and background.

Unveiling the intrinsic value of nature

Explore the value of nature beyond its aesthetic appeal. Environmental valuation frameworks and techniques allow us to understand the economic value of nature and make informed decisions in environmental policy and management.

How can governments effectively assess and manage climate risk to ensure a sustainable future?

Client: Department of Treasury (Western Australia)

Sapere provided expert advice on the design of a Climate Risk Framework for the WA government, exploring options for a staged approach, and aligning with international standards for climate risk disclosure, to support Western Australia's climate resilience efforts.