This is the first textbook to look at evidence-based policy and decision-making in the public sector. The author is an expert in this specialist social research method - has taught in this area for 16 years. It is designed for students and practitioners with little or no experience in research and analysis. The need to base policy on evidence has placed pressure on decision-makers to support proposals with well-grounded research and information. However, no practical guide with a focus on public sector policy and decision-making for doing this exists. This edited text fills the gap by providing a practical and comprehensive manual for people working in policy areas. It is aimed at practitioners with little or no experience in research and analysis but who require skills in managing, assessing and critically evaluating evidence use in the public sector.