Geoff Mulgan (Nesta) questions the popularity of the term ‘theory of change’ and suggests that it can encourage too simplistic an understanding of why change occurs. The phrase ‘theory of change’ is bandied around throughout the world...

In a round up of some of the best post-referendum blogs, maintaining trust, integrity and independence in the evidence ecosystem in the wake of the EU referendum campaign is vital, writes Helen Cunningham, Wales lead for...

If you view gathering evidence as simply a means of demonstrating outcomes, you’re missing a trick. It’s most valuable when part of a journey of iterative improvement, writes Frances Flaxington (Catch22).  We often assume that generating evidence is...

How will Britain’s departure from the EU affect our social sciences, ask Ashley Lenihan and Sharon Witherspoon from the Academy of Social Sciences and its Campaign for Social Science. Britain has voted to leave the European Union. Professor Roger...

Emily Hayter (INASP) highlights some fundamental challenges faced by African policymakers when it comes to using research, based on the experiences of participants in the VakaYiko programme. These must be addressed by those wishing to build capacity for civil servants...

Academic institutions are producing high quality, highly trusted social science data but this isn’t always translated into policy and practice. Why are universities not having the impact on social policy that we might expect? How can universities...

  A new NPC evidence review highlights the value of the voluntary and community sector to the health and care system. But the evidence alone won’t be enough to ensure that these important services continue to reach everyone...