CES

Evidence synthesis

CES has a strong track record of undertaking evidence synthesis to support policy development in Ireland and Northern Ireland and routinely undertakes evidence reviews. This ranges significantly in types of reviews, timescales and depth of study, dependent on the needs of the policy maker and the policy area. The Goal Programme was a large-scale example of evidence production and supporting data use which details extensive types of evidence use according to policymakers’ needs. We recently researched the financial circumstances of lone parents to inform policy maker decisions.

Co-design and consultation

We recognise the experience of our communities is an important source of evidence. We have tools and mechanism to help policy makers access that voice including: 

Conducting interviews and focus groups, including with vulnerable groups,  
Using innovative techniques such as photo elicitation and partnering with peer researchers 
Designing and delivering large scale public consultation events

CES has supported the design and delivery of policy consultation activities, and analysis of consultation responses, for example, designing, developing and supporting implementation of a Framework for analysis of consultation responses for the Children and Young People’s Strategy NI, and the consultation on the UN Convention of the Rights of People with Disabilities. This work encompasses designing accessible consultation exercises and processes and facilitation at online or in-person events.  

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Implementing policy

We support decisions when implementing policy. This includes:

developing policy implementation plans
evaluating implementation of programmes 
providing evidence to inform implementation

We have extensive experience of undertaking evaluations of largescale national programmes on behalf of government or the public sector to inform future policy.  This has included the evaluation of the National Area Based Childhood Programme (2018 DCYA) and the evaluation of the Fostering Attainment and Achievement Programme (2020 Health and Social Care Board).  

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Creating networks and building capacity

We provide networks and capacity building to translate evidence for policy.

The current literature on evidence informed policy making highlights the importance of networks between academics, practitioners, researchers, policy makers and intermediary bodies as a mechanism to foster better use of evidence in policy.  CES has founded and supported a number of these types of networks including the Children’s Research Network for Ireland and Northern Ireland and the Implementation Network for Ireland and Northern Ireland.   

We build policy-maker skills in evaluation and implementation skills. 

CES has codesigned and delivered a tailored programme to build evidence, implementation and evaluation skills for policy makers. Examples include the ‘Understanding Evaluation in Human-Related Government Services’ training programme focused on supporting capacity in evaluation.

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Dissemination of evidence

We disseminate evidence for policy making in lots of accessible formats 

CES has developed a range of tools and resources to enable evidence uses. This has included the graphic presentation of evidence in infographics and tables (Family and Parenting Support Strategy NI), and the development of frameworks for analysing consultation responses (Children and Young People’s Strategy NI). We provide a comprehensive database of standardised measurement tools used in Irish research and evaluation with children, young people and families

In addition, CES has used a range of technical and facilitation skills to enable in-person and online consultation on policy.

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What we offer

We can support policy makers with the design, development, dissemination and implementation of policy.

We can provide evidence-based reviews and policy evaluations, facilitate collaboration, engage with communities and service users and build policy-making capacity and skills through training and support.

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