Updated: A Guide to our Evidence Review Methods

Because we are transparent, independent and iterative, we have compiled a report that sets out our research process, methodology and criteria.

The What Works Centre for Wellbeing, in keeping with all members of the What Works Network, aims to produce high quality, accessible evidence syntheses for decision makers. Our evidence reviews will compare the effectiveness of different types of interventions or actions in improving wellbeing. To do this, we are developing a common currency for measuring wellbeing outcomes and will use a clear and consistent system for ranking the strength and quality of the evidence of what works to improve wellbeing as well as what doesn’t work.

Each evidence synthesis will be designed for use by decision makers, and review questions will be developed and refined in consultation with the centre’s users. Each review will provide, for each intervention, accessible and practical information about:

• Effectiveness and cost effectiveness of the intervention
• Applicability and implementation
• The strength of the evidence on which the assessment is based.

Due to insufficient evidence on some topics, it may not be possible to provide information on all of these aspects of each review. Where this is the case, we will identify research gaps and seek to work with partners to fill them. Each evidence programme will keep an evidence gap register for this purpose.