This report explores how governments can overcome barriers to deliver high-quality impact evaluations to contribute to policy development. It sets out the main evaluation methods available, ranging from randomised trials to quasi-experimental approaches, and highlights the conditions under which each can be applied.

This rapid evaluation compared three online training formats for professional development in the Australian Public Service – click‑through e‑learning, micro‑learning video and podcast – to inform future delivery. Using a randomised trial, survey and focus groups, it found that the video format was the most suitable option, offering strong effectiveness at a lower cost for...