An independent review of the National Disability Insurance Agency's (NDIA) co-design work. 

The aim of the evaluation was to look back and investigate the process, outcomes, and appropriateness of six co-design projects implemented by NDIA between 2022 and 2023. While the NDIA has made several changes and improvements to co-design since those six projects, this evaluation was designed to provide more thorough, structured feedback aimed at refining and guiding the ongoing codesign approach. 

The evaluation was guided by key evaluation questions, and process and outcomes standards for evaluating co-design. The methodology involved a literature review, interviews and 'sense-making'. 

Key findings

• While co-design work was undertaken enthusiastically and positively by all who participated, it was inconsistently used across the NDIA.
• Knowledge about, understanding of, and evidence for co-design from people interviewed was mixed. This limited the evaluation’s ability to make conclusive statements about NDIA’s overarching approach to co-design. One example was limited evidence to make conclusions about the appropriateness of co-design. However, there was broad support for the concept of co-design.
• There is a need for more clarity around how decisions are made following co-design. Feedback suggested that whilst co-design activities were regularly undertaken in good faith, the impact on policy and practice was not always clear.

Key recommendations

• Strengthen accountability and oversight mechanisms for co-design.
• Prioritise projects for co-design that have a clear purpose, scope and limits, as well as sufficient time and support for co-design.
• Capacity building and support for staff and community members in co-design clear feedback loops for participants involved in co-design and engagement.