Policy Impact
From evidence to practical change
RFC aims to connect research with policy and programme decisions through clear analysis, practical recommendations, knowledge exchange and learning.
Research can help clarify problems, surface overlooked experiences, test assumptions and identify options for action. Its influence depends not only on the quality of evidence, but also on timing, institutional context, resources, political and organizational priorities, and the ability to implement recommendations.
RFC’s approach is to make research findings clear, proportionate and useful to the people who may act on them. The intention is to contribute to informed discussion and programme learning rather than to claim that research alone produces policy change.
What shapes research influence
- Quality of evidence
- Timing
- Institutional context
- Resources
- Political and organizational priorities
- Ability to implement recommendations
How research may contribute
Evidence gaps
Identify questions that existing information does not adequately answer.
Community perspectives
Document experiences and concerns relevant to programme or policy design.
Practical recommendations
Present options that follow from the evidence and acknowledge trade-offs.
Programme improvement
Help organizations reflect on implementation, stakeholder feedback and lessons.
Knowledge exchange
Make findings available in formats suited to decision-makers, practitioners and researchers.
Further inquiry
Identify areas where more evidence, testing or evaluation is needed.
How future influence may be documented
Verified examples, supported by records
As RFC develops a portfolio, it may document policy and programme use through verified examples. Any such claim should be supported by records and, where appropriate, permission from the relevant organization.
- 01Citations in public documents
- 02Written feedback from commissioning organizations
- 03Documented use of recommendations
- 04Invitations to present findings
- 05Evidence of programme adaptation
Our current position
RFC is building its research and engagement portfolio.