Rapid Session

Each session will be approximately 15 minutes in length. Speaker bios can be found here. Please note that Q&A sessions will be held concurrently following the presentations, from 11:30 AM – 12:00 PM.

Trust-based philanthropy

Facilitator: Katherine Slemon

Trust-based philanthropy is increasing in popularity in recognition that funder requirements have often been burdensome and extractive. Evaluation can be a powerful tool to demonstrate impact between funders and recipients; it is also an opportunity to build trust and a shared understanding between the two. As trust-based philanthropy gains popularity, there have been misconceptions that this work is not aligned with evaluation, or that impact is not measured. This session will explore how both funders and recipients can use evaluation as a tool to help them move from an accountability model to promoting learning and growth in their organizations. 

Learning objectives:

• Improved understanding of how evaluations can utilize trust-based philanthropy principles regardless of their role (internal or external evaluator, funder or recipient organization)
• Greater understanding of the power dynamics between funders and recipients, and increased knowledge of ways to avoid evaluations perpetuating those dynamics
• Increased knowledge and awareness of the ways in which evaluation can be used as a tool to support increased trust, learning,and collaboration between funders and recipients

AI-assisted thematic analysis

Facilitators: Medha Aurora and Sophie Llewelyn

The session aims to respond to the conference theme of progress and possibility in evaluation, by exploring a cutting-edge technical approach to qualitative data analysis. Drawing from an ongoing national survey project to understand and improve workplace well-being among Canadian medical professionals, we’ll demonstrate how artificial intelligence can enhance data analysis without compromising analytic rigour or data security.

Learning objectives:

• Learn about innovative AI applications for qualitative data analysis
• Gain insight into the risks posed by AI-assisted qualitative analysis; learn about mitigation strategies
• Develop new skills in prompt engineering and output validation

Embedding Evaluation in Dynamic Processes

Facilitator: Emma McDonald

To support high-quality care across Ontario’s child and youth mental health and addictions sector, the Knowledge Institute developed a rigorous, consultative process for creating quality standards. This process is based on our previous experience developing the Quality Standard for Youth Engagement (2018), Family Engagement (2019), and a quality guideline for Virtual Walk-In Services (2020), as well as a review of other standard development programs. This process was first piloted through the development of the Levels of Care quality standard (2025). Recognizing the importance of refining the process itself, we conducted a process evaluation alongside the pilot of the standard development process. This evaluation used a developmental approach to assess several key areas: adherence to the process plan, satisfaction levels among those consulted, engagement of youth and families, and considerations of equity, diversity, inclusion, and anti-racism. The findings guided real-time changes to the process and are now guiding refinements for our upcoming Quality Standard on Live-in Treatment. This presentation will share lessons learned from the process evaluation, highlight feedback from youth and family members involved in the process, and offer considerations for organizations doing similar work.

Learning objectives:

• Inspire creativity and adaptability in evaluation
• Encourage space for evaluation in shifting projects
• Highlight the role of evaluation in trust building and transparency

Navigating the Politicization of Evaluation in the Canadian Public Sector

Facilitators: Mahmoud Rahim

 The session will introduce concepts from Politically Responsive Evaluation and Context-Sensitive Evaluation to show how evaluators can maintain integrity while navigating these pressures. Drawing from the presenter’s experience at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, and recent scholarship on the politics of evaluation, the session highlights common political dynamics, including pressure to reframe or downplay negative findings, stakeholder resistance, and the selective use of results. These issues often emerge during key points in the evaluation process, such as the presentation of preliminary findings. Ethical guidance from the Canadian Evaluation Society (CES) will also be briefly discussed to reinforce accountability and professionalism. This presentation is designed to spark reflection and conversation, especially among students and early-career evaluators who are beginning to engage with real-world challenges that extend beyond theory and methods.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand how political considerations can affect evaluation processes and findings
• Recognize ethical tensions that arise in politically influenced environments
• Become familiar with introductory strategies for managing political pressures.