Published: 23 June 2008
Using research evidence in Planning Services
The Cabinet Office's Social Exclusion Task Force has published Think Research, a web-based document which gives commissioners and providers of services for vulnerable people guidance on using research evidence during the commissioning process.
The government claims that it is vital that commissioners can identify the services that are best able to meet vulnerable people's needs and are proved to work.
By using research evidence collected on the service's past performance commissioners can make informed decisions when commissioning projects.
Think Research demystifies the research process & results and gives commissioners the tools to use the evidence effectively during their decision-making process.
In addition, on the other side, providers that deliver services underpinned by research evidence, will be able to prove that their services work and feel more confident about being commissioned and the future of their organisation.
Phil Hope, Cabinet Office Minister with responsibility for social exclusion, said:
"Effective services are the key to improving the lives of vulnerable people.
They often have complex, multiple problems that need to be addressed through a range of joined-up services. And the Government is committed to driving up the standards of these services.
Think Research is a valuable tool which will encourage commissioners to use the research evidence available whenever they commission a service.
It will lead to more effective services, greater transparency in the commissioning process, better use of public money and, most importantly, transform the lives of the most vulnerable people in our society."
Think Research gives users a comprehensive guide to all aspects of using research evidence.
It covers:
- finding relevant research
- evaluating it
- how to use the evidence in planning a service and
- gathering evidence to monitor a service once it is up & running
There are also online resources such as a glossary of research terms, and links to sites where research can be found, or ones that explain statistics and how to assess evidence.
Think Research complements existing Government initiatives to improve the commissioning process.
These include:
- a programme of regional training sessions for commissioners
- Compact, an agreement between Government and the third sector on working in partnership and
- a move to three year contracts rather than short term ones
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