Chair's comment
Managing for outcomes is the focus of much social policy attention in New Zealand. A project was formalised as "MfO" (Managing for Outcomes) and influence from that project is gaining in visibility.
For example, outcome-based investment is the focus for the Foundation for Research, Science and Technology's major investment in ecosystems research this year.
The emphasis on outcomes as targets is not new, but managing for outcomes is creating some interesting challenges. The outcome as a target is just one part of the equation - other critical ones are monitoring progress towards achievement of the outcome, and evaluating performance en route via intermediate outcomes.
Developing the knowledge base for managing for outcomes is posing some challenges both for government departments and ministries as well as for institutions such as Crown research institutes and universities. These organisations are much more familiar with managing for outputs. In the managing for outcomes environment, effective evaluation is a critically important determinant of performance. Building capability in the area of evaluation is a major priority if the outcomes-focus for policy is to be managed effectively.
SPEaR has made a significant effort to map the research that departments and ministries have been doing in terms of the key knowledge questions and priorities for improving the knowledge base. During 2006, we need to devote more time and discussion to evaluating the extent to which social policy initiatives achieve outcomes.
A start in this effort to assess the impact social policy has on outcomes was made in 2005 in response to Cabinet's request for evidence that research does have an impact on social policy and, in turn, social policy contributes to the delivery of desired social, economic and environmental outcomes. In 2006 we will be strengthening our endeavour, with a stronger focus on evaluation.
SPEaR is well-placed to take a lead in coordinating the knowledge base for social policy priorities, and the Ministry of Social Development's Centre for Social Research and Evaluation, in particular, has a significant array of expertise to contribute to this project.
I look forward in 2006 to working with SPEaR and with BRCSS in building capability in the field of evaluation, as we attempt to deliver on managing for outcomes.
