What Works?

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What counts is what works, but how can we determine what truly works? This book addresses the challenge of using evidence to influence policy and practice in the public sector, which increasingly relies on 'evidence' for delivering effective services. The authors examine the role of evidence across various public policy areas, including healthcare, education, criminal justice, social care, welfare, housing, transport, and urban renewal, utilizing experts to analyze the creation, dissemination, and application of evidence in each field. Key questions explored include the creation of research evidence regarding service effectiveness, the impact of such evidence on policy and service delivery, and initiatives aimed at promoting greater use of evidence in practice. The book offers rich cross-sectoral insights into the dynamic relationship between evidence and policy, presenting perceptive analyses of significant challenges and proposing agendas for service development and future research. The authors emphasize the crucial question of implementing evidence-based practices, advocating for innovative thinking. With its relevance to contemporary practice and research, this work is essential for managers, professionals across sectors, and students and academics in public policy, administration, and social management.