What design-led approaches are most effective in surfacing hidden trade-offs or unintended consequences in policy delivery for low-income families?
Background
Some DWP research interests cut across strategic objectives or focus on the methods used to generate, use and communicate evidence. This group is not a separate strategic objective; it brings together cross-cutting and methodological questions that can improve the quality, robustness, inclusiveness and usefulness of DWP evidence. DWP is interested in research on future analytical tools, administrative data, digital research engagement, participatory and co-design methods, evaluation of fast-moving technologies such as artificial intelligence, research integrity, disinformation and environmental impacts. These questions matter because methods, data and design choices affect how well DWP understands people’s experiences, anticipates change, and tests interventions. External research can add value by bringing methodological innovation, independent challenge, comparative evidence and practical insight into how new approaches can be applied responsibly in complex public-service environments.
Next steps
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Research fields
Related UKRI funded projects
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The HealthMod Cluster: Enhancing Policy Modelling Capabilities to Tackle the Economic Determinants of Health and Health Inequality
HealthMod is a large research programme that brings together scientists, policymakers, and charities interested in using economic policies to improve people's health. We particularly want to improve the health of people ...
Funded by: MRC
Lead research organisation: University of Glasgow
Why might this be relevant?
The project specifically focuses on policy modelling to understand the impact of economic policies on health inequalities for low-income families.
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Policy Evaluation Beyond Averages: Distributional Impact Analysis.
Assessing the impact of social and economic policies is a central concern for policymakers. However the way those policies are evaluated is often not effective, which means that a policy can be put in place that does not...
Funded by: ESRC
Lead research organisation: University of Bristol
Why might this be relevant?
The project addresses the evaluation of policy impacts beyond averages, which is partially relevant to understanding unintended consequences in policy delivery.
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The rigorous development, implementation, and evaluation of the effectiveness and cost effectiveness of community-based interventions and policies, especially in relation to inequalities in health.The facilitation of two-way knowledge flows between r
In all known societies health risks, health-related behaviours, physical and mental health, and life expectancy tend to vary between social groups. Inequalities in health exist across a range of social and demographic in...
Funded by: MRC
Lead research organisation: University of Glasgow
Why might this be relevant?
The project focuses on community-based interventions and policies to reduce health inequalities, which is partially relevant to the question on surfacing hidden trade-offs in policy delivery for low-income families.