About the Department

Research in the Department

Research and evaluation underpins the evidence-informed decision making and policy development of the Department. Research undertaken or commissioned by the Department focuses on areas that contribute to the body of knowledge about education and training outcomes (including meeting labour market demand) and young people's wellbeing and early childhood development in Victoria.

Research and Evaluation Board

The Research and Evaluation Board ensures the best evidence is available to understand the factors that influence, and measure progress towards, improving DEECD outcomes.

The Board does this through:

  • Analysis and review: Reviews progress against outcomes and identifies areas for analysis
  • Setting priorities: Establishes priorities for research and evaluation activities
  • Investment decisions: Makes recommendations on the funding of key research and evaluation activity
  • Knowledge sharing: Maximises the value of a strong knowledge base by communicating findings to increase the connections between research, policy and practice; Facilitates capacity building of departmental staff to undertake and engage in research and evaluation activities.

The Research Activity Annual Report 2010–11 describes the work overseen by the Board in 2010–11. The work highlights a shift towards longer-term, larger-scale research work in collaborations across DEECD and in partnership with external institutions and organisations. This is designed to result in efficiencies through more coherent, high-quality research and evidence to inform policy and practice.

For more information, see:

 

Research Panel

The Department’s Research Panel is a common use arrangement between the Department and various organisations that can provide a broad range of research, evaluation and advisory services.

The Panel contractors were selected through an open public tender process. They demonstrated a high level of expertise and capability, evidenced by their:

  • knowledge and experience in the industry
  • staff resources and expertise of proposed team members
  • references

The selected Panellists have entered into a common use arrangement with the Department by signing a Victorian Government Purchasing Board Standing Offer Agreement for Professional Services standard form contract.

The operation of the Research Panel is currently under review.

For more information, see: Research Panel list (Word - 75Kb)

More information