About Nesta

Nesta is an innovation foundation. For us, innovation means turning bold ideas into reality and changing lives for the better. We use our expertise, skills and funding in areas where there are big challenges facing society.

Evidence for Good

In this report, published with the Wales Centre for Public Policy, Emma Taylor-Collins presents case studies from seven UK charities which demonstrate the variety of ways that evidence can help - from getting off the ground, to improving practice, to influencing the external landscape.

With practical takeaways and tips, we hope that charities will be inspired to think about all the ways in which evidence can help them to do good.

Across the seven case studies, we’ve identified five key learning points:

  • Using evidence doesn’t have to be costly
  • Transparency improves the sector
  • Proving what we think we already know
  • Evidence can give you more than you bargained for
  • Don’t forget the people

From all the case studies featured, what comes across clearly is that evidence can have a range of practical benefits. Whether that’s challenging the way charities promote their cause, changing how staff interact with those they’re helping, or getting government to
think differently about the welfare system, each of these charities show what can happen when good evidence is used effectively. We hope this report might inspire you to think about how you can use evidence to enhance your influence, effectiveness, and impact.

Authors

Emma Taylor-Collins

Emma Taylor-Collins

Emma Taylor-Collins

Senior Research Officer, Alliance for Useful Evidence

Emma was a Senior Research Officer at the Alliance for Useful Evidence and the Wales Centre for Public Policy.

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