Policy paper

The What Works Network Strategy

The What Works Network Strategy sets out how the Evaluation Task Force – secretariat of the Network – expects to deliver its vision over the next five years.

This was published under the 2022 to 2024 Sunak Conservative government

Documents

The What Works Network Strategy (2023)

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Details

The What Works Network (WWN) was established in March 2013 to embed vital evidence into policy making and service delivery. Since then it has grown to encompass 13 What Works Centres (WWCs). The WWN aims to improve the way government and other public sector organisations create, share and use high-quality evidence in decision-making. It supports more effective and efficient services across the public sector at national and local levels.

It’s never been more important to ensure public spending and resources go further by having a really empirical government. Part of this requires ensuring there is an excellent network of WWCs ready to inform public sector decision-makers. However, there is also a need to ensure these centres are delivering value for money and are working as effectively and efficiently as possible. 

This drove the Evaluation Task Force’s (ETF) decision to review the strategic direction of the WWN, and set out a refreshed vision for its future. The ETF’s ambition is for a more strategic and visible network of high-performing WWCs and programmes. Following consultations with WWCs, funders and other stakeholders, a new strategy has been developed. This sets out five strategic priorities for the  Networks’ future, outlining how we expect to deliver this vision over the next five years.

Updates to this page

Published 29 November 2023

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