This working paper explores the potential for applying synthetic control methods to place-based interventions within Scotland, making use of the increasing availability of routinely collected data. Summary Synthetic control methods are a novel approach to comparative case study research using
Reimagining Community Planning in Scotland: A Vision from the Third Sector
A working paper from What Works Scotland written by Oliver Escobar on behalf of members of third sector interfaces and Voluntary Action Scotland. The paper collates the discussions and outcomes from a two-day forum to review evidence and deliberate on the future of community planning. It contains 17 vision statements related to four themes.
Creating Effective Partnerships to Deliver Public Services seminar
This event was the launch of ‘Partnership working in UK public services’, an accessible, action-oriented evidence review produced by What Works Scotland’s Evidence Bank.
What Works, Cross Whitehall Trials Advice Panel – new website
Cross Whitehall Trials Advice Panel, set up by the Cabinet Office What Works Team, now has an external website here . This publication explains how the Cross-Government Trial Advice Panel will help civil servants to use evidence in decision-making. Panel members include,
Reimagining Community Planning in Scotland: A Vision from the Third Sector
New working paper published here (pdf)
New Blog – Think YES? How to deliver transformational change in relationships between staff, and managers and local people
See new blog from Claire Bynner and Ken Gibb here.
Cost of School Holidays – Literature Review
New WWS Brief Literature Review available here (pfd).
New Working Paper Published – Evaluability Assessment
Read our new publication – Evaluability Assessment: a systematic approach to deciding whether and how to evaluate programmes and policies (pdf).
Activity update Jan-May 2015
Read our update on WWS latest activities, publications and achievements in the progress report May 2015 (pdf).
Why and how ‘what works’ is important for Scotland
As Chief Researcher at the Scottish Government, Zoe Ferguson was instrumental in establishing What Works Scotland. In a What Works Scotland blog post she reflects on the journey so far.