The Defence Human Research and Evaluation Governance Board (DHREGB) provides strategic oversight and prioritisation of Defence people research and evaluation activities.

The DHREGB supports improvements to the quality, evaluation, translation and sharing of people research findings across Defence. It also facilitates informed discussions to identify and resolve duplicative research and evaluation efforts and promotes the sharing of findings to support evidence-based policy and program improvements.

Functions

The Board carries out a range of functions:

• Prioritises Defence people research and evaluation activities.
• Oversees improvements to the quality, evaluation, translation and sharing of people research findings.
• Facilitates discussions to identify and reduce duplication in research and evaluation activities.
• Promotes the sharing of research and evaluation findings.
• Supports evidence-based policy and program improvement.

Defence's priority people research themes are health, mental health and wellbeing, culture, members and families, recruitment and retention, and preparedness and futures.

Membership

Membership comprises relevant Defence senior leaders and is chaired by the First Assistant Secretary Workforce and People Strategy.

The Board meets 3 times a year to provide oversight of research conducted under its collective authority and ensure activities align with organisational priorities and the appropriate allocation of resources across research themes.

Compliance and governance

The DHREGB was established in response to Recommendation 116 of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide, which recommended Defence improve the quality, evaluation, translation and sharing of research findings. The Board provides regular updates on its activities to the Defence People Committee. This reporting is compliant with the National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research (2025).