Program Evaluation and audit
We develop evaluation frameworks and monitoring plans, and undertake reviews, audits, and evaluations at both program and project levels. Our program evaluation specialists are recognised leaders in facilitating the development of program logic and theory of change models. Our evaluation capabilities extend across policy, strategy, planning and on-ground implementation projects.
Evaluation frameworks
We design and deliver program, policy, and project evaluation frameworks that are rigorous, practical, and strategically aligned. Using logic models, theories of change, and structured approaches, we map how program activities connect to intended outcomes, ensuring evaluation questions are clear, indicators are meaningful, and reporting requirements are transparent. Our frameworks provide clarity for decision-makers by linking activities, outputs, and outcomes into a coherent structure that can guide both assessment and improvement. Our evaluation framework consultants combines evaluation theory with strong engagement and data capability. We work closely with stakeholders to ensure frameworks reflect real-world needs, building legitimacy and buy-in while enhancing the likelihood of adoption.
Program evaluation
We deliver program, policy, and project evaluations that are rigorous, practical, and grounded in evidence. Our program evaluation consultants combine robust analytical methods with deep engagement, ensuring that findings reflect not just the data but also the perspectives of stakeholders and communities. We bring strong capability in sourcing, configuring, and analysing complex datasets, enabling us to uncover insights that inform decision-making and demonstrate impact. Just as importantly, we translate these insights into clear, actionable recommendations that provide a feasible path forward for governments, partners, and communities.
Audits and reviews
We bring strong experience in complex audits and assurance processes, having led more than 40 audits and reviews of statutory and strategic water and catchment plans for State and Commonwealth clients. Our audit consultants apply high standards of evidence and rigour, with a strong understanding of governance and program delivery. Our audits and reviews are targeted to the specific scope, acknowledge where implementation has been achieved, highlight gaps against legislative and best practice requirements, and provide actionable findings and recommendations. These efforts aim to enhance water and natural resource management governance and improve transparency, while being feasible to deliver.
Adaptive management guidance
We help clients put adaptive management into practice by combining robust monitoring and evaluation expertise with a deep understanding of real-world implementation challenges, organisational dynamics, and governance structures. Our approach focuses on identifying the right questions, indicators, and feedback loops that enable learning and adjustment as conditions change. Working closely with clients and stakeholders, our adaptive management specialists co-develop adaptation options that are both feasible and impactful. By embedding iterative feedback and decision points into project and program cycles, we ensure that strategies remain responsive, risks are managed proactively, and outcomes improve over time.
Industry leadership
Our consultants are industry leaders who are well known for their deep expertise and knowledge in their field. They bring a thorough understanding of industry trends, technologies, and best practices.
Dr Katie Ryan
Katie Ryan is an expert in designing and delivering evaluations for natural resource management programs. With almost 20 years of experience in monitoring and evaluation, her expertise is grounded in a PhD in freshwater ecology and a master’s degree in program evaluation. Katie is deeply passionate about bridging the gap between science and policy to promote evidence-based natural resource management.<br><br>Since joining Alluvium in 2021, Katie has successfully led evaluation and strategic policy projects for Commonwealth, State, and local governments, as well as for international clients. A skilled communicator and facilitator, she has organized and conducted numerous workshops, stakeholder interviews, and focus groups. Katie is committed to engaging with diverse stakeholder groups, including First Nations peoples, ensuring their values and needs are integrated into policy frameworks.<br><br>Katie's extensive experience in the Murray-Darling Basin, including eight years at the Murray-Darling Basin Authority, has given her a profound understanding of the Basin Plan and the intricate complexities of this water reform. She has collaborated with interjurisdictional groups to influence programs and policies across the Basin.<br><br>Residing in Canberra, Katie holds a particular fondness for the Upper Murrumbidgee River, where she completed her honours research. She is actively involved in the Upper Murrumbidgee Catchment Network and is an adventurous volunteer who often spends time on the river. Katie enjoys opportunities to contribute to local projects within the Upper Murrumbidgee catchment whenever possible.
Amanda Wealands
Amanda has worked in natural resource, water and waterway management in Australia for over 20 years, with a focus on water resource management, environmental flows, integrated catchment management, strategy development and evaluation. Much of her work involves engaging and working with scientists, community groups, industry and government agencies on water resource management challenges.<br> <br>Coming from an engineering background, Amanda combines her technical expertise with strong facilitation and engagement skills to develop and implement strategic, agreed programs for the natural resource management sector. She comes to projects without a fixed agenda or advocacy platform, rather she brings a deep understanding of the need to engage stakeholders and develop trust to develop agreed and workable solutions for contested issues.
Rebecca Smyth
Rebecca has over 18 years’ experience spanning assessment and evaluation, performance audit and review, governance and risk, public reporting and strategic relationship management across Commonwealth, State and Territory governments. She is a former Executive of the National Water Commission and Sydney Water Corporation and was previously a partner with O’Connor Marsden and managing partner of Vista Advisory, both audit and assurance firms. Rebecca was appointed the ANAO’s performance audit quality assurance reviewer spanning 2019-2022 and undertook similar services for the audit offices of QLD, WA, VIC and SA promoting better audit practice in line with the Australia auditing standards. In 2022 she led the four-year Statutory Review of the NSW Audit Office on behalf of the NSW Parliament. In her partner roles she has been responsible for the internal audit functions of the Fair Work Commission, Fair Work Ombudsman, Federal Department of Health, Clean Energy Regulator and the ACT City Renewal Authority. She is on the Board of the ACT Centre for Women’s Health. She is respected for her authenticity, sound judgement and the energetic promotion of better practices in public sector governance. She has a strong commitment and sense of personal responsibility for all work delivered which reflects her reputation for quality, reliability and integrity.
David Barratt
ACT Regional Manger
David is Alluvium Consulting’s Regional Manager in the ACT. He joined Alluvium in 2011 after 17 years in environmental and agricultural agencies in the Australian Public Service. David was a Director of Water Resources Assessment at the Bureau of Meteorology and prior to that a Director in the Bureau of Rural Sciences, leading teams in drought assessment, climate science and water resources reporting.<br><br>David has 30 years’ experience in catchment to continental-scale natural resources assessment and reporting in Australia. In the Bureaus of Meteorology and Rural Sciences, David and his staff developed landscape water balance models in collaboration with scientific teams at CSIRO to help understand and quantify the impact of land cover and land management practices on catchment hydrology relative to the effects of climate variability and climate change.<br><br>At Alluvium, David principally designs and oversees projects aimed at developing monitoring, evaluation, reporting and improvement (MERI) frameworks and plans, and undertaking reviews and evaluations of environmental policies, plans and program performance. He also has leadership roles in projects on catchment strategies and urban stormwater treatment systems, particularly with regard to erosional processes and ecological assets..
Projects in Evaluation and Audit
More Alluvium Consulting capabilities
Engineered design solutions
Engineering solutions to solve waterway erosion, coastal erosion, fish passage and water quality challenges.
Water and catchment policy
Evidence-based advice in policy, governance, and regulatory frameworks for water resources.
Waterway and wetland management
Applied fluvial geomorphology, aquatic ecology and river engineering expertise for waterway management.
Climate adaptation and resilience
Risk assessments, planning and designing for disaster recovery, nature-based solutions, and adaptation and resilience in a changing climate.
Catchment hydrology and flood modelling
Modelling, data science, and remote sensing to inform hydrological and hydraulic assessments at scales ranging from hillslopes to large river systems.
Urban water systems
Integrated water management, water-sensitive urban design (WSUD), and nature-based solutions.
Coastal management
Specialist assessment of physical processes, engineering, and planning for coastal adaptation and resilience.
Environmental strategy
Delivering environmental flows, plans and strategy development leveraging technical expertise and collaborative engagement experience.