Evidence-based practice

More, now than ever, people professionals are taking an evidence-based approach to their work, using organisation data, research, stakeholder insights and perspectives as well as professional expertise to deliver work that’s impactful.

Evidence-based practice is, quite simply, taking an evidence-based approach to your work: using the right data and the right information in a structured way, to inform the decisions you take and the work that you do, because it leads to better outcomes.

This area of the Profession Map focuses on the knowledge required to take this evidence-based approach. It covers an understanding of evidence-based practice itself, as well as how to analyse and solve problems in order to understand the business problem that needs resolving. It also includes knowledge of how to use evidence in your work, such as using and commissioning research, using data and analytics, and exploring stakeholder needs and concerns.

This Core knowledge area is strongly supported by two of the core behaviours: Insights focused, and Situational decision-making. Together, they are the knowledge and behaviours required for people professionals to be truly evidence-based in their approach at work, and to live the CIPD’s values.

'The essence of the value created by organisations is delivering the promise made to a customer and that applies equally whether you are operating in the for-profit, public or not-for-profit sectors. In terms of how analytics contributes to the creation of value, this quote from the late author Terry Pratchett comes to mind: "If you do not know where you come from, then you don't know where you are, and if you don't know where you are, then you don't know where you're going. And if you don't know where you're going, you're probably going wrong".'

Eugene Burke, Psychologist, Data Analyst, Board Advisor and Analytics Advisor to the CIPD