A User Perspective on Research Quality

If we are to encourage the use of research evidence in policy and practice, our notion of research quality must go wider than the robustness of the research itself. We need to address both internal and external validity. Therefore, ‘evidence‐based policy and practice’ has a simple logic which belies the complexity of the relationship. It is both a difficult and challenging one, which demands change in culture and practice on both sides in order to achieve its potential. There are many examples of the positive contribution that research, and researchers themselves, can make and some positive evidence that barriers are being addressed. We argue for a continued effort on both sides, so that the contribution that research can make to policy and practice can be fully realised.