Natural England’s Evidence Strategy
3 August 2012
Natural England has published its Evidence Strategy for 2012-17. This document explains how we will carry out our evidence work by following a clear set of principles.
The strategy sets out how we intend to fulfil our role as the Government’s statutory nature conservation adviser; by producing and using robust and quality-assured evidence on the natural environment; by delivering regular accessible advice to all our customers; by being open and transparent every step of the way.
Today’s publication of our Evidence Strategy
draws together:
- The motivation and rationale behind our work.
- Our evidence priorities.
- Our principles ensuring that we use evidence effectively.
- How we will measure the success of applying these principles to our work.
We will collaborate closely with Defra and its affiliated bodies to ensure that evidence programmes are co-ordinated and complementary. We will strive to improve the natural environment evidence base by working with a wide range of external bodies – including other government agencies, academic institutions, wildlife charities and amateur naturalist groups.
Tim Hill, Natural England’s Chief Scientist said: “Evidence is the bedrock that underpins everything that we do here at Natural England. This Strategy sets out how we will carry out our evidence work, both internally and with our partners. I encourage you to read the Strategy and to work with us to deliver its principles.”
Our Evidence Standard will play a major role in reinforcing and supporting the delivery of the Evidence Strategy. The Standard sets out Natural England’s approach to determining evidence priorities; analysis of data; documentation of evidence-based decisions; transparency in the handling and interpretation of evidence; quality assurance and peer review of evidence; communication of evidence; and carrying out monitoring and surveillance.
Visit the Evidence Register for monitoring and research projects in our 2012-2013 evidence programme.
For other information on our evidence work, visit Research and Evidence.
