The What Works Centres: Lessons and Insights from an Evidence Movement

The last decade has seen a growing focus on producing evidence-based policy and practice in governments around the world, with the UK establishing 14 What Works Centres to collate, create, and translate evidence. This book offers insights into what has worked and what could be done better in future to establish new centres and create practical impact on the improvement of the world.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 208 pages
Publication date: 28 April 2023
Publisher: Bristol University Press

The past decade has witnessed a significant surge in the global emphasis on developing evidence-based policy and practice within governments worldwide. This trend has been particularly notable in the United Kingdom, where the establishment of 14 What Works Centres has played a pivotal role. These centres serve as hubs for the collation, creation, and translation of evidence across various policy and practice domains.

In this comprehensive book, esteemed leaders, researchers, and practitioners from these institutions come together to share invaluable insights and perspectives. Their collective expertise aims to shed light on the successes and challenges encountered by the What Works Centres to date, as well as provide valuable guidance for policymakers and funders seeking to establish new centres or replicate their model. Moreover, the book serves as a valuable resource for academics interested in creating similar institutions that can have a practical and meaningful impact on the improvement of our world.

The What Works Centres have emerged as a powerful force in the pursuit of evidence-based policy and practice. By consolidating and disseminating evidence, these centres have facilitated the informed decision-making process and helped policymakers and practitioners make evidence-driven choices that benefit society as a whole. Through their collaborative efforts, the Centres have contributed to the development of a more evidence-informed policy landscape, which has the potential to drive positive change and improve the lives of countless individuals.

However, as with any endeavor, there is always room for improvement. The insights shared in this book provide valuable guidance for policymakers and funders looking to establish new What Works Centres or enhance the effectiveness of existing ones. By drawing on the experiences and lessons learned from the Centres, policymakers can design and implement policies that are more likely to achieve their desired outcomes and have a greater impact on the lives of citizens.

Furthermore, the book offers valuable insights for academics who are interested in creating similar institutions that can have a practical impact on the improvement of our world. By building on the successes and lessons learned from the What Works Centres, academics can develop and refine their approaches to evidence-based policy and practice, ensuring that their research has a real-world impact and contributes to the betterment of society.

In conclusion, the past decade has seen a remarkable growth in the global emphasis on evidence-based policy and practice. The establishment of 14 What Works Centres in the United Kingdom has been a key driver of this trend, and this book offers valuable insights and perspectives from the leaders, researchers, and practitioners who have contributed to their success. By leveraging the lessons learned from these centres, policymakers, funders, and academics can work together to create a more evidence-informed policy landscape that drives positive change and improves the lives of countless individuals.

Dimension: 216 x 240 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781447365099