Scottish Executive Development Department Research 2003-2004
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Contents
Guidance for Potential Contractors
Housing, Homelessness and Area Regeneration 2003-2004 Research Programme
Planning2003-2004 Research Programme
Building2003-2004 Research Programme
Social Justice 2003-2004 Research Programme
Transport/Road Safety 2003-2004 Research Programme
The Scottish Executive Development Department serves the needs of transport, housing, planning and building standards in Scotland, and co-ordinates the Executives work on social justice, equalities and the voluntary sector. In delivering on these policy issues, there is a clear and important role for research. In particular, research is required to:
- monitor and evaluate the impact, costs and effectiveness of existing policies and the processes by which those policies are implemented;
- ensure that all new policies and decisions are evidence based;
- and ensure that new policy developments are informed by robust information about what works and what does not both in Scotland and elsewhere.
Of course, there is already a considerable body of knowledge about the operation of social policies in Scotland, upon which the proposals in this program seeks to build. However there is a clear need to improve and refine that body of knowledge and to ensure that information is deployed effectively. In response to this, analytical colleagues in my Department are seeking to develop more effective ways of working with policy colleagues in the Executive and beyond to ensure that policy and practice are informed by evidence. In addition, while recognising the important of evaluative studies, there has been an increasing recognition on the need to ensure best use is made of existing knowledge and expertise, including the expertise of practitioners, academics and researchers.
This Report on the Department's Research Programme in 2003-2004 aims to inform those with an interest in the research which the Department commissions, including practitioners and contractors. An outline of the focus of research in each policy area is included along with brief details of new projects which the Department plans to commission during the year. Contractors interested in undertaking any of the new projects outlined are invited to either complete the enclosed 'Expression of Interest' form which should be returned to the address shown, or complete the electronic version which is available via the Social Research pages of the Scottish Executive website, preferably by Wednesday 30th April. Potential contractors are advised to read the notes of guidance on page 2 which provide information on the Department's procedures in commissioning research. The Report also provides general information about the Research Programme, including an update on the ongoing research commissioned from 2002-2003 along with additional projects which were required in the course of the year, details of recent research dissemination and relevant Departmental research contacts.
It is the Department's policy to make the results of commissioned research available to the wider user community through appropriate dissemination, mainly by publication but also involving dissemination at seminars and conferences. Published reports can be purchased at The Stationery Office Bookshop and are also available on the publications section of the SE website ( www.scotland.gov.uk).
Nicola Munro
Secretary and Head of Department
Scottish Executive Development Department