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Research, Policy and Evaluation

Amplifying voices and providing real world actions to drive social change.

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IPS employs qualitative and quantitative methodologies, specialising in mixed methods to provide customised research and evaluation services. Our approach is technically robust, rigorous and practical, while also being adaptable and responsive to the specific requirements of our clients. We offer various types of research (action, empirical, exploratory, comparative) and evaluation (e.g. impact, process, and summative), and hold expertise in key areas including research and evaluation design, survey, interview and group facilitation methods, and data analysis.
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Research
IPS tailor research projects, utilising quantitative, and qualitative methods to meet the scope of works effectively and efficiently. Utilising techniques involving one-on-one interviews, focus groups, yarning circles and online surveys, we typically apply a mixed methods approach triangulation to ensure both a wide and deep understanding of the subject matter.

Evaluations
We conduct a range of formative, process and summative evaluations built on the realistic evaluation framework to account for the contextual nuances of program delivery in different locations. This ensures consideration of factors such as geography and access, demographics and differences in service providers that can impact on a program’s delivery and outcomes.

Stakeholder Engagement Specialists
We are collaborative, respectful and have a deep understanding of the distinctiveness of groups participating in any engagement. We focus on developing our methods and processes to develop authenticity, trust and a sense of equal partnerships and highly ethical approach, particularly where sensitive issues are present.

Collaboration
The IPS research team will work hand in hand with your team throughout the project to ensure you are involved in every step, and actively contribute to key elements of the project from inception to completion.

Agile Project Management
IPS approach project management with an agile mindset valuing individuals and interactions, over process, collaborating throughout the project and responding to change to meet your needs.

Co-design
The IPS research team have worked with government departments, key stakeholders and the broader community on genuine co-design projects to ensure active engagement and contribution to research and evaluation projects. This is especially valuable when measuring a program’s social impact, designed to assist Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, Culturally and Linguistically Diverse and other groups to ensure we capture all benefits, both tangible and intangible.

Research capability statement

Mixed Methods Approach

Ethical Approach

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Dr James Butterworth 
Research, Policy and Evaluation - Executive Lead

​​"IPS works with governments and organisations to help develop robust and economically viable programs and policies. We specialise in program co-design, evaluation and research using qualitative and quantitative methodologies to deliver focussed policy and program outcomes. Working with all industries, we pride ourselves on providing a professional product, with a strong focus on ethics."

Contact Dr James

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Case Studies

• Formative Evaluation of the Nabu Program | Department of Communities and Justice NSW

  The Nabu Program is an early intervention and intensive family support service that works with First Nations families in Illawarra and Shoalhaven, NSW. The program is delivered by Waminda, South Coast Women’s Health and Welfare Aboriginal Corporation. It is the first early intervention program conceptualised, developed and run by an Aboriginal corporation that has been funded by the NSW state government. IPS conducted an extensive formative evaluation utilising a co-design process with Waminda and the Department informed by the realistic evaluation framework. The purpose of the formative evaluation was to provide a benchmark of services, to identify cultural measures and intangible benefits of the program, determine the impact on Aboriginal families and benefits of the program for families in the Aboriginal community. IPS also conducted a cost-effectiveness analysis to determine the adequacy of resourcing and to better inform future funding.

• Aboriginal Family Led Decision Making (AFLDM) | Department of Communities

  IPS conducted a 12-month evaluation for the Department of Communities on the Aboriginal Family Led Decision Making (AFLDM) pilot. AFLDM is a process which supports the right to self-determination for Aboriginal families involved with child protection. Launched at two sites in October 2021, the evaluation aimed to assess program delivery, outcomes, and funding effectiveness. Stakeholder engagements involved families, ACCOs, and relevant committees. As the evaluation progressed, IPS provided two progress reports. The final evaluation consisted of an individual reports for each pilot site, as well as a summary report documenting differences and similar across the site. IPS provided highlighted considerations for improvement and provided recommendations for the potential expansion of the pilot across WA.

Current Projects

WA Seniors Strategy

Collaborative Arrangements