Razia Shariff Head, Knowledge Exchange Team THIRD SECTOR RESEARCH CENTRE, UK

1. Research into RealityOvercoming the challenges of knowledge exchangeFoundation for the FutureResearch Conference26th – 28th January 2010, Jordan Razia Shariff Head, Knowledge Exchange Team THIRD SECTOR RESEARCH CENTRE, UK

2. OVERVIEW Third Sector Research Centre Strategy The theoretical interface between academia, the policy maker and practitioner The reality of knowledge exchange Making and measuring impact

3. OUR STRATEGY To bridge gaps and build understanding between research, decision making, policy making and practice To ensure that the experience and knowledge of policy and decision makers, practitioners and funders informs our research To make knowledge available in meaningful and accessible ways so that it can be used by policy and decision makers, practitioners and funders To ensure we reach those isolated from existing research knowledge flows

4. THEORETICAL INTERFACE “Traditional linear and rational models have largely been rejected in favour of more interactive approaches that draw on interpretivist accounts of the social construct of knowledge in the process of its use” Nutley et al 2007 “Knowledge imperfect and contested, incomplete and highly selective….Evidence viewed differently depending on who is offering it, not in a political vacuum….Academic knowledge selected and transformed in the transfer process” Evidence Based Policy Making, PMPA & NSG Nov 08

5. THE REALITY Solutions to puzzles are seldom solutions to messes Satisfiers/good enough v maximisers/best option Decisions simultaneous, or sequential or emergent Blinder 2006 Eastern Economic Journal Beware the ‘policy entrepreneur’ – bridging the world of ideas and reality – the tailored message What about knowledge gained in the act of practice, context specific and subjective but critical for effective implementation of research findings

6. Advisory Board TSRC Reference Groups

7. TOOLS AND METHODS Website and links to other websites Publicity Materials and e-bulletin’s Published materials Building contacts and expanding reach Media and press work Events and workshops Monitoring, evaluation and refine approach to ensure cover the diversity and depth of the sector

8. MAKING & MEASURING IMPACT Lack of guidance available for planning and evaluating knowledge broker interventions Robeson et al (2008) What are the underlying intentions and purpose of measuring impact this has implications for approach, methods. We need indicators to link macro with micro - Elliot Stern AcSS Research Impact Conference 09 HEFCE – Research Excellence Framework - ‘impact element’ assess contribution to economic, social, public policy, cultural and quality of life

9. MONITORING AND EVALUATING Conceptual Framework Inputs, process, outputs, reach, audience, initial outcomes, intermediate outcomes and intended long term outcomes (based on John Hopkins Bloomberg School, 2006) Data Collection Methods Routine recording of website use and downloads, user surveys, research use through content analysis Other methods In depth qualitative realistic evaluation (Pawson and Tilley 1997) and holding impact events (based on RAPID Model)

10. CREATING IMPACT Aim To make a difference in policy, practice & academia Academic Knowledge developed Practitioner Community able to access & use research knowledge to enhance their work Economic and social impact of sector evidenced and strengthened Policy, funding and decision making informed through an accessible evidence base