It does not matter what kind of services you are responsible for delivering, from needle exchanges and methadone programmes to Sure Start and children's services, the processes involved and concerns of the provider in all of these are similar.

Many of the problems in service provision can be forseen and erradicated before delivery begins, but others only become apparent once services are operational. These can be addressed as the services become established. However, many other problems do not become apparent untill services have been operational for some time.

Once these problems are identified, a great deal of money may already have been invested unwisely and poor practises become entrenched. The government was aware of the importance of evaluation when setting up the Sure Start initiative. Indeed, it is a requirement of all Sure Start programmes to have an annual evaluation of their services.

Northern Research Associates have been involved in the local evaluation of Sure Start for several years and can provide your programme with an independent evaluation using a proven methodology.

Unlike Sure Start, few health authorities effectively evaluate services. With regard to services specifically targetted at drug users, health authorities may commission research into aspects of drug use to inform future service planning. However, it is not often that services themselves are evaluated. Best practise can only be spread when identified and evaluated.

Northern Research Associates are experienced researchers into drug use behaviours and associated health matters. Our research team have been involved in many behavioural and prevalence studies.

We also conduct effective evaluation of services which enable you, the service provider, to improve the quality of your services and practises. Can you really say how effective your services are?

Remember, evaluation ensures the spread of best practise, improves cost effectiveness and enables better targetting.

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