Evidence: It's how you use it that matters

Evidence informed decision making is a hot topic in New Zealand’s social sector at the moment. Knowing what works and what to fund in order to achieve the greatest impact is integral to improving social outcomes for New Zealand families, whānau and communities.

Two things need to be in place to support evidence informed decision making - the evidence needs to exist, and people making the decisions need to know how to use it.

Superu - short for Social Policy Evaluation and Research Unit (previously the Families Commission) is not only working on growing the quality, relevance and quantity of the evidence base. Superu is working with the social sector so that evidence can be used to make better decisions about funding, policies and services to improve the lives of New Zealanders.

Superu’s annual conference is focussed on turning evidence into action. This year’s conference is at Te Papa on Tuesday 5 April. It will deliver rich insights from international and local thought leaders on evidence informed decision making. Developers of social policy, funders of social programmes, deliverers of social services and social science researchers and evaluators will debate, discuss and share information and experiences.

Our keynote speakers include Parakawhia McLean, Chief Executive of Waikato-Tainui, who will talk about her experiences of drawing upon the wisdom of leaders from the past to develop a holistic intergenerational plan that sets out the social, cultural, environmental and commercial aspirations for Waikato-Tainui.

Our international keynote speaker is Ron Haskins, Co-Director of the Centre on Children and Families at Brookings Institute in the USA. Ron will share his insights as a leading expert on evidence informed social policy, the former White House and congressional advisor on welfare issues, and the author of Show me the evidence - Obama’s fight for rigor and results in social policy.

Professor Kristy Muir, Research Director for the Centre for Social Impact at the University of New South Wales (Australia) will explore how evidence is used to address complex social problems.

To view the full programme visit Superu’s website:

www.superu.govt.nz/news-and-events/superu-events

ENDS

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