Evaluation can be defined as ‘a systematic process that involves collecting and using evidence to determine the quality, value, merit, or importance of something, such as, a programme or a service, against a set of specific questions and criteria’.
A key function of evaluation is to provide evidence to assess the understanding, theory, design, process, outcomes, and impact of gambling harm prevention and minimisation investments (eg, programmes, services, activities, and policies). However, evaluation is more than a measuring tool. A good evaluation can help us reflect on our assumptions and perceptions underpinning our behaviour, highlighting new opportunities, and predicting likely outcomes and impact of current activities. Evaluation can address important questions such as ‘who has benefited from the programme and who hasn’t, and why is this the case?’.
In gambling harm prevention and minimisation, evaluation can provide evidence and insight to support:
- knowledge generation – increasing understanding about the drivers and levers of an approach in harm prevention and minimisation, the value it creates, and the needs of stakeholders, etc.
- better outcomes – improving existing and/or developing new programmes, services, and relationships to meet the needs of service users
- accountability – providing tangible and credible evidence to people who are accountable for the gambling harm investments and the results.
- social justice – promoting equity and social justice by highlighting what works and what doesn’t for whom, when, why, and how.
After the Pae Ora (Healthy Futures) Act 2022 came into effect, the responsibility of evaluation of gambling harm services is shared between Te Whatu Ora and Te Aka Whai Ora.