Evaluation of the Trusted eSafety Provider Program
Schools are navigating an increasingly complex online environment and often turn to external providers for support. The Trusted eSafety Provider program was established to help schools take the guesswork out of choosing great online safety education providers.
It can be difficult to know which online safety educators deliver credible and effective services. By endorsing providers that meet eSafety’s Best Practice Framework, the program gives schools confidence that the online safety education they receive is evidence-informed, age-appropriate and aligned with recognised good practice.
Evaluation process
eSafety commissioned Verian Group to undertake an independent evaluation to understand the relevance, effectiveness, efficiency and impact of the Trusted eSafety Provider program. It used a mixed-methods approach, including a review of program documentation and data, interviews and focus groups with key stakeholders, and a survey of endorsed providers.
Summary of key findings
The program is achieving its intended purpose
- The program is widely regarded as effective, delivering value to providers, schools and the broader education sector.
- Providers identified access to eSafety’s research, resources and Best Practice Framework as key program strengths.
- Schools reported high levels of satisfaction with the evidence-based support provided by endorsed providers.
- The program has continued to evolve and improve in response to previous evaluation findings, and suitable promotion, resourcing, and internal prioritisation will maximise its reach and impact.
The program is being delivered effectively
- The program’s key successes include stronger quality assurance, support for evidence-based practice and increased opportunities for collaboration and professional learning.
- While awareness of the program remains a challenge, and schools face competing priorities, uptake of provider services continues to grow. In 2023-24, Trusted eSafety Providers collectively reached more than 1.18 million students, representing around 29% of all Australian school students.
- Schools and providers value the program, reporting increased confidence in the quality of online safety education.
The program effectively supports providers
- The program efficiently supports provider capability-building, with streamlined processes and a well-regarded endorsement model.
- eSafety endorsement adds significant value by giving schools confidence in the quality and credibility of providers and reducing the need for schools to independently assess provider suitability.
The program strengthens online safety capability
- The program has strengthened provider capability and knowledge of best practice and supported the delivery of high-quality online safety education.
- Schools reported positive outcomes, including increased online safety awareness and knowledge among students and staff.
- Greater awareness of the program and stronger integration of eSafety resources across schools and communities would help maximise impact.
Overall, the evaluation found the Trusted eSafety Provider program is delivering positive outcomes for providers, schools and the broader education sector. The findings will inform the ongoing development of the program and support eSafety’s commitment to evidence-based online safety education.
