WIREDGOV

A new on-line ‘Rapid Evidence Assessment Toolkit’, published recently by the Government Social Research Unit, will help government social researchers provide timely responses to policy questions according to Chief Government Social Scientist and Head of the Government Social Research service (GSR) Professor Paul Wiles.

An increasingly useful methodology, Rapid Evidence Assessments (REAs) can provide quick summaries of what is already known about a policy or practice. Although it uses systematic review methods to search and appraise literature and other sources of information, REAs differ from systematic reviews in that the extent of the search is guided by time and resource constraints.

Shortening the process in this way necessarily limits the comprehensiveness of the searching and other review stages. Professor Wiles believes that an understanding of these limitations, being transparent about them, and knowing when an REA is a viable option are key to its proper use by social researchers. Commenting on the launch he said:

“The policy process cannot always wait a year or more for reliable social research input in the form of systematic review. REAs are not a panacea, but if used appropriately it can usefully balance rigour with speed in providing answers. We have developed the Toolkit to provide researchers with necessary guidance on REAs and I firmly believe that researchers and policy makers alike will see the benefits.”

Developed and written by GSR members and the Institute of Education’s EEPI-Centre (Evidence for Policy and Practice Information and Co-ordinating Centre), the Toolkit covers themes including when to use REAs, planning, carrying out and commissioning REAs, and communicating findings.

The Rapid Evidence Assessment Toolkit can be found at www.gsr.gov.uk. For more information contact Jonathan Webb at GSRU on 0207 270 5356 (jonathan.webb@hm-treasury.x.gsi.gov.uk).


Notes for Editors


Based in the Treasury, the Government Social Research Unit (GSRU) provides strategic leadership and support for GSR, by:

• Promoting the use of evidence in strategy, policy and delivery, and working with other professional groups to ensure that the work of government analysts is coordinated and integrated across professional boundaries
• Leading on strategic social research issues and setting standards for social research in government
• Representing the work of GSR within government and in the wider research community
• Providing practical support and advice to departments on the organisation and delivery of the research function, including recruitment, GSR in-service Fast Stream, career development and training, and interface with policy
• Working closely with the GSR membership and departmental Heads of Profession for social research, to facilitate effective working and communication across GSR.

Contact

Jonathan Webb t. 020 7270 5356

Chris Blunkell t. 01227 772747 m. 07941 831341