We need to constantly reflect on the work, learn from our mistakes and from our observations, and adapt accordingly.

The Hive’s work is guided by robust measurement, evaluation and learning, including a clear theory of change.

The purpose of our Measurement, Evaluation and Learning framework is –

• Report population and intervention level data
• Commitment to reflect and learn from work in real time
• Accountability  to funders, partners, and most importantly, community

Which equips us to understand:

• The immediate and long-term outcomes of our work
• The contribution of our partners working collaboratively and our backbone role in enabling this
• The contribution of our advocacy and influencing on the wider systems reform
• What gaps and opportunities there are for strengthening communities in Mt Druitt

The Hive, in partnership with Ember Advisors & the Paul Ramsay Foundation, trialled a synthetic control modelling methodology to evaluate The Hive’s work. This process positively helped our understanding of evaluation methods available and our considerations for our internal MEL processes. We learnt about the benefits and limitations for SCM for place-based work, and how it can be used effectively alongside qualitative methodologies to tell a full story. You can read about this evaluation below.

In 2025, The Hive undertook a deep-dive evaluation, using an adaptation of the Most Significant Change framework, to assess the success and impact of Child Health Advocacy led by the Together in 2770 Collective over the past eight years. The evaluation revealed important shifts in the Western Sydney Local Health District’s approach to child health services, including a move away from siloed practices and greater empowerment of local providers and early educators to deliver wraparound support for children.