Tools for Culturally Safe Evaluation

Tools for Culturally Safe Evaluation

These practical guides, tools and templates have been developed in support of a Lowitja Institute approach to the culturally safe evaluation of programs and policies that affect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The tools can be used to eliminate racism in evaluation, and encourage self-reflection to ensure that evaluation practitioners continue their learning journey with each evaluation completed.

Who are they for?

The tools are for evaluators and commissioners who want to change their practices and ensure they are working in a more culturally safe manner.

What is the goal? 

Lowitja Institute hopes that the tools will assist in achieving the following four goals, which are shared by many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples:

1. All evaluation involving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples is culturally safe, as defined by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
2. All evaluation involving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples is governed by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
3. All evaluation involving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples is commissioned, led and/or undertaken by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
4. All evaluation involving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and their communities is designed and facilitated with, or by, members of their local community

How do they work? 

There are four tools, each with a separate guidebook explaining what is in the tool, when it is most relevant to use the tool across the four main evaluation stages, and how to use it.

• Tool A. Addressing cultural safety throughout evaluation 

• Tool B. Addressing racism within evaluation 

• Tool C. Community-led co-design of evaluation 

• Tool D. Critical reflection on evaluation  

Each tool contains several components, including the guidebook, posters, checklists, audit and reflection templates. 

The tools encourage self-reflection to ensure that evaluation practitioners continue their learning journey with each evaluation completed.

How much do they cost? 

There is more information about each tool, including the price, below. 

To find out more, contact us at learning@lowitja.org.au