1. DCSF and its research centres Stephen Witt Research Strategy, DCSF Presentation at DCSF Conference: The Use of Evidence in Policy Development and Delivery, 9 February 2010

2. Consideringthe existing centres • Internal ‘stock-take’ looked at: • the role and cost-effectiveness of centres within wider research commissioning • their fit with policy objectives (especially with creation of DCSF) • their synergy with DCSF’s other • analytical work (internal and external) • policy influence (early intervention, • school effects, lifecourse perspective)

3. A review of centres • The value and overall contribution of the suite of centres, not individually • Looking forward not just retrospective • Broad questions: • what does the Dept gain from centres? • how could they best support Dept in future? • improvements to governance and management? • what value relative to ad-hoc commissioning?

4. Process and conclusions • Involved internal & external stakeholders, centres • Broad summary of findings: • respected / seen as valuable by all stakeholder groups • important asset – future opportunities to capitalise on expertise, data, methods, concepts, tools from earlier phases • help to re-conceptualise and develop policy, and provide important research-based tools • policymaker engagement important but varies • considerably; management of research-policy • relationship is the key issue for the future • http://www.sfre.ac.uk/resources/england/

5. Taking new centres forward • Debating – and accepting – the principles: - centres have an important role - need to refresh themes and re-tender • Considering number, scale and focus • Tackling the policy engagement issue - structure and functions of planned centres - policy input to scope and initial work programmes • Competitive commissioning, with much interest • Led to →→ → →