§ Dr. IddonTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what steps he has taken to enhance science in his Department since the publication of the Government's science strategy, Investing in Innovation. [162247]
§ Malcolm WicksEvidence from research plays a key role in developing, monitoring, and evaluating the business of the Department. The Department has developed a cycle of investigation and research, leading to informed planning to implement change (sometimes through pilots which refine innovative approaches), and then monitoring to assess the impact. This cycle is reflected in a parallel process of consulting upon and commissioning our social research programme through open tendering. The analytical community has been reorganised and aligned with policy and delivery units, integrating analysis and policymaking to provide the highest level of evidence-based policy making. The Department has maintained the level of research spending, and rigorous evaluation and monitoring of new developments. All research is published on the internet so that it is freely available to anyone who would wish to use it.