evidence-informed practice

Evidence exchange: learning from social policy across the UK

Report that considers evidence from a survey of almost 500 policy makers and practitioners on how evidence is currently used, demand for more and better evidence and levels of interest in learning more from their counterparts in other parts of the UK.

The recent move to establish a series of thematic What Works Centres, including one in Scotland in 2014, offers a rare opportunity to improve the quality of evidence available.

Exploring the relationships between evidence and innovation in the context of Scotland’s social services

Report that uses theoretical, empirical and practice literatures and case studies to reflect on the links between evidence and innovation in the context of Scotland's social services. It bridges two of the core work streams at The Institute for Research and Innovation in Social Services (IRISS); evidence-informed practice and innovation and improvement.

Evidence and practice review of support for victims and outcome measurement

Research that aims to review the existing evidence and practice surrounding victims' support needs, outcome measurement and quality assurance in the victim support sector, to assess:

  • the support needs of victims
  • the effectiveness of interventions to support victims
  • how to develop victim outcome measures or indicators
  • how to measure victim outcomes
  • how to measure and assess quality in support service provision.

Implementing evidence-based programmes in children's services: key issues for success

Report that brings together the latest international thinking about the key issues relating to the implementation of evidence-based programmes, utilising both published work and expert opinion.

The aim is to provide a summary of issues that should be considered and planned for by those about to start implementing a new programme in order to increase the chances of success; to draw attention to sources of further information; and to share lessons that have been learned by others when implementing similar programmes.