Methods:
Mission Australia developed and piloted an “Evidence to Action” process as part of its broader organisational monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) approach. The process was developed in consultation with frontline practitioners and service managers to ensure relevance and usability. The pilot involved testing various dissemination and implementation activities aimed at supporting people at various levels within Mission Australia to engage with evidence, reflect on its implications, and identify actionable changes. At the conclusion of the pilot, consultations and reflective workshops were conducted with participants to identify critical enablers and barriers to embedding evidence into practice.
Key Findings:
The pilot demonstrated that evidence can be embedded at multiple levels within an organisation to shift mindsets, support tangible practice changes, and strengthen strategic and advocacy priorities. It also highlighted the potential for evidence-informed approaches to enhance innovation and improve operational effectiveness, efficiency, and impact across the NGO sector.
All NSW SHS services have been involved in Evidence to Action and have reviewed, improved and reflected on many of their findings.
Challenges and Lessons Learnt:
Key lessons included the importance of leadership buy-in, flexibility to accommodate diverse service contexts, and the provision of timely insights. Prioritising time for reflective dialogue, adopting multi-disciplinary approaches, and aligning efforts with organisational priorities were also critical. However, challenges emerged around varying levels of data literacy, limited resources, and the need for dedicated implementation support and facilitation roles to scale the approach effectively.
Discussion Questions:
1. What tools or processes can help shift compliance-driven mindsets toward a culture of curiosity and inquiry?
2. How can a learning environment be created and sustained on limited resources?
Key Highlights:
• The pilot demonstrated the value of embedding reflection, learning, and action cycles contributing to the conference theme of “A Place to Call Home: Strengthening Services, Sustaining Systems Change.
• It provided a real-world example of how Mission Australia has trialled different approaches to embedding evidence and learning, while also surfacing the practical challenges of scaling such initiatives across a large and diverse organisation.