The Lived Experience Career Compass, on behalf of the Victorian Collaborative Centre for Mental Health and Wellbeing and the Department of Health, is inviting submissions from qualified organisations to conduct an independent evaluation of two Lived Experience Early Career Programs.
The objective of this evaluation is to facilitate ongoing improvement and learning within these programs. We are seeking suitably experienced and qualified organisations to evaluate the Peer Cadet Program and the Pilot Student Placement Program, providing two separate evaluation reports tailored to each program’s specific audience and context.
These programs aim to build strong, sustainable Consumer and Family and Carer Lived and Living Experience workforces across Victoria by creating pathways for people with lived experience of mental health challenges and for families and carers who support them, to enter and thrive in the workforce.
Your proposal should address the criteria outlined in the attached documentation, including:
- Evaluation of program effectiveness and efficiency
- Application of mixed methods and approaches
- Delivery of two customised evaluation reports
- Demonstrated expertise in lived experience research and co-design
The link below will support and guide your submission:
- Proposal template for conducting the evaluation of the Lived Experience Early Career Programs (page 16)
- Program descriptions and background information (pages 3 and 4)
- Details of expected deliverables, metrics, and timelines (pages 6-10)
Lived Experience Program Evaluation Proposal (PDF 1.7 MB)
Key dates:
- Information session for interested service providers: Week commencing 5 January 2026
- Request for further information deadline: Friday 16 January 2026
- Submission close: 5 pm on Friday 23 January 2026
- Service commencement: Monday 9 March 2026
The Lived Experience Career Compass is proudly hosted by Mind Australia. It includes three Lived Experience Early Career Programs that are funded by the Victorian Government.