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. Considering the 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 → → → →