Good practice progress
A SPEaR workshop to test draft good practice guidelines for social sector research and evaluation, held on 10–11 May, was attended by approximately 50 research and evaluation professionals from the public, private, academic and non-government sectors.
The guidelines are designed to “lift the game” in practice and process terms, and create transparent expectations for all parties in the process. Four facilitated work groups provided constructive feedback on the draft guidelines for contracting, ethics, research involving Māori and research involving Pacific peoples.
“There was active debate, and broad agreement was reached about the principles-based approach used for framing the guidelines,” said Paul Honeybone from the SPEaR secretariat. “How to produce useful guidance for a range of practitioners, while encompassing a range of world views and perspectives, is challenging. Despite this, with further development, engagement and consultation, we will get to a point where we have helpful resources that all parties in the R&E process will benefit from.”
Raewyn Good, lead presenter for SPEaR on the programme, outlined the approach and draft materials to delegates. “We are unpacking advice for all content stages of activity in the lifecycle of R&E in the social policy context,” said Raewyn.
“The product will be web-based with layers of information, which produces interesting conceptual challenges. The tiered approach looks hierarchical on paper, but will be multi-leveled online,” she said.
Sue Walker, convenor of the SPEaR Good Practice Working Party overseeing the developments, said the guidelines would be released progressively on the SPEaR website. “We are already aware of practitioners using the draft material in their contract negotiations, which bodes well,” said Sue.
For more information, watch for developments on www.spear.govt.nz or contact raewyn.good002@msd.govt.nz
