Evaluation of the DCMS R&D Science and Analysis Programme

The programme

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) R&D Science and Analysis Programme was launched in late-2022 with the aim of delivering a ‘step change’ in how the Department approaches its evidence base. The programme was intended to complement existing research arrangements, providing an opportunity to fund research on longer term, cross-cutting and more speculative research questions. Phase 1 of the programme funded 22 research projects over a three-year delivery period.

The evaluation

SQW was commissioned to undertake an evaluation of Phase 1 of the programme, reflecting upon the findings to inform delivery of Phase 2 (running from 2025 to 2030).

This comprised two separate but linked strands of evaluation:

  • Process evaluation assessing the effectiveness of delivery and implementation of the programme, with a focus on what has worked well or less well
  • Impact evaluation assessing the extent to which the programme has delivered benefits.

The evaluation adopted a theory-based approach, applying the principles of contribution analysis and informed by mixed-methods evidence which was triangulated, synthesised and assessed against the programme theory of change. The evaluation approach followed Magenta Book guidance. 

Key findings

The evaluation concluded that Phase 1 has provided a good grounding on the path to achieving a ‘step change’ in how DCMS approaches its evidence base. The programme represented a more proactive and strategic approach to evidence, and has generated robust evidence to be drawn on as policy priorities develop. A substantial volume of research outputs has been delivered, including written deliverables and toolkits. Although there is some evidence of the programme helping to improve decision making in strategic policy areas, its value to date has been primarily from ‘holding’ rather than ‘using’ evidence. This reflects the programme’s focus on generating long-term evidence, and the associated timescales to impact.

Recommendations for Phase 2 were made to further strengthen the governance, management and delivery of the programme.

Report and contacts

The evaluation report is available on the DCMS website here.

If you would like to find out more about the evaluation, please contact Joe Duggett on jduggett@sqw.co.uk.​​​​​​