Today we are delighted that our Head of Evidence and Data, Guillermo Rodriguez-Guzman, has been appointed, among 50 other experts, to the What Works Trial Advice Panel (TAP) which will support the improvement of the quality and quantity of impact evaluations across central government to foster a better understanding of ‘What Works’.

The Panel is made up of impact evaluation experts from within and outside government, and provides free advice to policy teams and analysts concerning the design of impact evaluations. It also contributes towards building capacity among civil servants to better understand the benefits and technicalities of impact evaluations. This is very much aligned with CHI’s goal of building capacity to create a movement to address society’s complex social issues by bringing evidence into the heart of decision-making. 

Since its launch in 2015, the Panel has advised on 72 projects across 24 departments and public bodies, spanning a range of policy areas including energy, adult social care, housing, and family services. For more information and examples of TAP's work, read the three-year update report and check out this blog post from one of the preexisting academic members.

Guillermo joins the Panel as part of a refresh of the membership. The appointment is for 2 years, commencing today.

Of his appointment, Guillermo said: 

“I am humbled and honoured to be joining this remarkable group of experts. At the Centre for Homelessness Impact, a member of the What Works Network, our focus is on building momentum for evidence-informed policies that help put taxpayers’ money to good use, but most importantly, momentum to help steer policies to achieve better outcomes and a more just society. 

I am very much looking forward to starting to collaborate with this remarkable group of academics and civil servants.”

If you’d like to know more or have any questions, please get in touch at: trialadvicepanel@cabinetoffice.gov.uk or hello@homelessnessimpact.org.