Table 1 Summary of assessment methods, purpose, recruitment and timing

Online survey

To explore prior knowledge about HSS actions; perceptions of their readiness and their organisation to implement HSS approaches

All 2017 UNICEF enrolees invited via email to complete online survey

At HSS program enrolment

Online surveys

To explore experiences and perceptions of learning content, structure, mode of delivery; potential future actions regarding HSS actions

All 2017 UNICEF enrolees invited via email to complete online survey

At 6 weeks and completion of online HSS program

Focus group discussions—in person

To explore graduates’ experiences and perceptions of the HSS program

All 2017 UNICEF graduates Australia were invited to participate

At face-to-face modules 13 & 14 in Melbourne, Australia

Online survey

To explore experiences of implementing and applying HSS actions; organisational readiness and support required to implement graduates’ learnings

All 2017 UNICEF graduates invited via email to complete online survey

Six months post-HSS program

Individual semi-structured interviews—telephone or Skype

To explore to what extent learning changed: ways of thinking, work practices; and whether graduates were supported to apply learnings from HSS program

15 UNICEF graduates purposively sampled: across 7 UNICEF regions and roles were invited via email to participate

12 months post-HSS program

Individual semi-structured interviews—telephone or Skype

To understand and explore impacts and benefits of the HSS learning upon graduates, and work environment within which graduates return to after training

15 UNICEF Senior Managers of graduates purposively sampled: across 7 UNICEF regions and roles were invited via email to participate

12 months post-HSS program