Evidence based policy making
Rt Hon Oliver Letwin MP, Minister for Government Policy
In an era in which every pound counts, it is insufficient to measure the impact of policy by budgetary inputs. It would be better to measure outputs, or policy-by-results. With this in mind, the Cabinet Office launched, in March 2013, the “What Works Network”. It is basically a grouping of watchdogs to sift through evidence and determine which policies actually work. To start off with, four policy areas were chosen: promoting local economic growth, reducing crime, bettering the lot of disadvantaged children, and looking after the elderly. Together these account for £200 billion-worth of public spending and the Coalition hoped that, from the start, they could achieve savings of £2bn per annum. Oliver Letwin, the Minister for Government Policy will outline the initial thinking, lessons learned and progress achieved.
About the Industry Forum
The Industry Forum promotes constructive dialogue between public policy makers, industry operating in the UK, and leading commentators. It has operated for nearly 20 years and has established good relations with the main political parties and the parliamentary select committees.
Focusing on current key issues, it provides opportunities for policy makers to explain policies and objectives face-to-face with businesses that can give practical and unfiltered feedback. The aim is that this process should lead to economic and social benefits by improving public policy related to business.
The core membership programme focuses on a range of key current or strategic issues and features some 20-plus meetings per year on topics chosen by members. Our events are informal and interactive, and adhere to the Chatham House rule. The majority are held in Central London sponsored and hosted by members. Attendance is by invitation-only to members and guests. Attendees are predominantly business professionals who bring their own current and practical views and information
The Industry Forum is set up as an independent not -for-profit company unaligned to any political party or interest. It is registered under the Companies Act and operating in accordance with the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000.