Family Commission welcomes evidence-based focus

3 Sept 2013

The Families Commission welcomes a new report on the importance of robust research-based evidence to inform good decisions by government.

The report released today by the Prime Minister’s Chief Science Advisor and Families Commissioner, Professor Sir Peter Gluckman, advocates for a better approach to evidence-based policy formation and implementation across government.

Chief Commissioner Belinda Milnes says, ”It makes sense to use evidence to identify and back the policies and programmes that we know will work and make a real difference – especially for families and whānau and the social policy sector.

Ms Milnes says, “We’re pleased that in his report, Sir Peter has identified our Social Policy and Evaluation Research Unit (SuPERU) as one of two ‘stand out’ examples of promising practices in New Zealand.

“As part of our new mandate, we will be filling the role of the ‘honest broker’ described by Sir Peter.

“Earlier this year we established SuPERU, to provide robust, expert, independent evaluation of government and community programmes. SuPERU will also lift standards by providing support and best practice across government.

“We will also be working to help bridge the gap between funded research priorities, and the information needs of policymakers.”

The Families Commission has also established an external Expert Advisory Group to ensure its work and standards are of the highest quality.

“Good decisions are based on good advice, which in turn is based on good evidence. It’s crucial that decision makers and the public have the information they need to understand the risks, the opportunities and the trade-offs when making complex and costly choices.”

The report, The role of evidence in policy formation and implementation, is on the Office of the Prime Minister’s Chief Science Advisory Committee website.

ENDS

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