HOST Policy Research: Publications
All our publications are available in large print. Just email info@hostpolicyresearch.com to request them.
These publications are now available as downloads for the Kindle ebook reader.
HOST Research and Guidance Series
Number 1: Guidance on Accessing and Using International Comparative Information by Kenneth Walsh
This document was originally compiled as part of the Sector Skills Council (SSC) Research Support being provided by HOST Policy Research (HOST), and funded by the then Sector Skills Development Agency (SSDA). It explores the rationale for carrying out international comparisons, the uses to which they might be put, and the main methods of accessing relevant information. Follow the link below to access the document.
Number 2: A Simple Guide to Evaluation by Dorothy Berry-Lound
This brief guide has been prepared to provide a simple introduction to conducting evaluation projects. It is aimed at those with little experience of evaluation and is meant as an introduction to the topic and not as a comprehensive ‘how to’ guide. It looks at what an evaluation is, the key elements of different types of evaluation and the methodologies that can be used, how impact can be measured and what a typical evaluation report might look like. Follow the link below to access the document.
Number 3: A Guide to Impact Assessment by Dr David Parsons
This HOST Guide to Impact Assessment has been produced to help all those who are involved with managing and monitoring their activities to better understand and use impact measurement and assessment. It arises from HOST’s various impact assessment and evaluation projects, particularly those conducted for the Learning and Skills Improvement Service (LSIS). Most organisations put in place local evaluation and impact measurement is a part of this. However, impact assessment can be confusing. This guide will help users cut through some of the jargon to help develop an impact assessment strategy and some simple impact measures. Follow the link below to download the document.
Number 4: Guidance on Commissioning Research by Valerie Rowe
This document was originally produced as part of Sector Skills Council (SSC) Research Support provided by HOST Policy Research (HOST), and funded by the then Sector Skills Development Agency (SSDA). It offers, through a series of questions and answers, a guide to commissioning external contractors to undertake research. It also makes suggestions on the dissemination and evaluation of research findings, on contracts and on managing research projects after commissioning. It has been written for those research managers in organisations who would like to commission a research project for the first time, but also offers practical suggestions for those who have commissioned research but have had an unsatisfactory experience, or for those who want additional information on current effective practice.
Number 5: Guidance on Developing a Research Strategy by Kenneth Walsh
This guide is designed for Sector Skills Councils but should be of relevance to other organisations looking to develop a more strategic approach to their research and evaluation activities. It offers practical steps to achieving a research strategy and advice on what can be done once it has been set up.
Number 6: A Brief Guide to Official Statistics by Dr Jane Holland
This document is intended to help to identify the key relevant sources of data for labour market information to support evaluations, Total Place and economic and skills assessments. It is not comprehensive, but gives the main official statistics that external parties will expect to have been reviewed in any assessment. It will also point to further data sources that are not necessarily freely available but may be accessed through discussion with the relevant organisation.
Further documents in preparation as part of this research and guidance series:
Number 7: An Introduction to Conducting E-surveys by Dorothy Berry-Lound and Susan Sibley
“Because of their existing knowledge and contacts HOST were able to hit the ground running on a project with a very short turnaround time, which enabled milestones to be hit in a timely manner.”