Reports and Publications
Click on the tabs below to read examples of the work we do at Matrix Evidence.
- Economics
- Reviews
- Operational Research
- Evaluations
Economics
2011
2010
Cost-Benefit Analysis and Crime Control
November 2010
Dr Kevin Marsh co-authored a book recently published by the Urban Institute Press – Cost-Benefit Analysis and Crime Control. The collection of papers is the output of a workshop organised and funded by Matrix and the Urban Institute with support from the Home Office and the National Institute of Justice. The workshop was held in Washington D.C and gathered experts to discuss the application of economic methods to crime control. Within Cost-Benefit Analysis and Crime Control Kevin describes the various methods used for cost-benefit analysis in Europe, particularly the United Kingdom, and compares them to American practices. Read more at http://www.urban.org/books/cost-benefit-analysis/.
Culture Shock
October 2010
Demos, an independent think-tank, have published a book called Culture Shock. The publication examines the evidence currently available in relation to public participation in culture and sport. Matrix’s work for CASE (Culture and Sports Evidence Programme) is referenced throughout the book. You can download a copy of the publication here.
The benefits of staffed play provision
October 2010
Exploring the role of economics in prioritisation in public health: what do stakeholders think?
September 2010
Debates surrounding the use of conventional approaches in public health, and the existence of perceived barriers to using the results of economic evaluations, have led to questions posed as to how to establish priorities within public health schemes. The aims of this study were to explore the feasibility and validity of economic evaluation techniques in developing priorities within public health programmes, and to consider the extent to which different presentational approaches are likely to be incorporated into decision-making, from perspectives of relevant stakeholders. Click here to read the article.
Resources and environmental changes to prevent skin cancer
July 2010
NICE was asked by the Department of Health (DH) to develop public health intervention guidance on sun protection resources and environmental changes to prevent skin cancer for the NHS and local authorities. Matrix Evidence was commissioned by NICE to develop economic analysis to inform the development of NICE public health intervention guidance on information, sun protection resources and physical changes to the environment to prevent skin cancer (phase 2). Download the report here.
You can find additional information on the NICE website.
Estimating spending on health promotion and public health in Wales
June 2010
Kevin Marsh, Head of Economics at Matrix co-authored this study which estimates the spend on health promotion and public health in Wales. You can find the report here.
Cost-effectiveness of interventions to improve moderate physical activity
May 2010
With growing concerns to establish the value for returns on public health investment, there is a need to identify cost-effective physical activity interventions. Kevin Marsh, Head of Economics at Matrix co-authored this study which can be downloaded here. The study measured change in moderate physical activity (MPA) in seven community-based intervention types, costs and cost-effectiveness of the interventions, and possible explanations for cost variation.
Evidence-Based Decisions and Economics
May 2010
Kevin Marsh, Head of Economics at Matrix co-authored the 2nd edition of Evidence-Based Decisions and Economics in Health care, social welfare, education and criminal justice which is now on sale.
Expanding on the first edition the book now covers approaches to evidence synthesis that combine economics and systematic review methods in the applied fields of social welfare, education and criminal justice, as well as health care. Written by economists and health services researchers closely involved in developing evidence-based policy and practice it showcases current state-of-the-art methodology and will be an invaluable read for all policy-makers and practitioners using evidence to inform decisions, analysts conducting research to support decisions and students discovering the need for evidence-based decisions to incorporate economic perspectives and evidence.
2009
Adults Facing Chronic Exclusion (ACE) programme
December 2009
The Adults Facing Chronic Exclusion (ACE) programme was established in 2007 as a cross-government collaboration. The aim of the programme is to test new ways of working with adults facing chronic exclusion to achieve better outcomes for individuals and communities, and whether this can be done more cost effectively than existing approaches.
Matrix Insight was commissioned to evaluate the 12 ACE pilots located across England, this evaluation is designed to capture the common learning from the Programme.
LBRO National Threats Research Reports
December 2009
The Local Better Regulation Office (LBRO) commissioned Matrix and Kings College, London, to investigate the extent to which the current system of local regulation does not sufficiently deal with some threats to UK residents, businesses, and consumers. read more »
Economic analysis of interventions for young adult offenders
October 2009
Matrix Evidence were commissioned by Barrow Cadbury Trust to undertake an economic analysis of alternative interventions for young adult offenders. You can download the report here.
Lifelong Learning and Crime: An Analysis of the Cost-effectiveness of In-prison Educational and Vocational Interventions
July 2009
Matrix was commissioned by NIACE (National Institute of Adult Continuing Education) to prepare a paper
addressing the question of how far learning can contribute to a reduction in crime. The paper takes a particular approach, applying cost-benefit analysis to different programmes. The analysis produces very
specific results, quantified and given monetary values. It extends the analysis to potential lifetime savings from investment in learning. You can download the report here.
Research into diseconomies of scale in delivering health and social care in rural areas
July 2009
The Social Exclusion Task Force (SETF) of the Cabinet Office commissioned Matrix to conduct a short-term review of:
- potential diseconomies of scale that may contribute to inequities in the delivery of health and social care provision between densely and sparsely populated areas; and
- the potential for current reform policies to create or exacerbate any such diseconomies and inequities.
You can download the report here.
Lifelong Learning and Well-being: An Analysis of the Relationship Between Adult Learning and Subjective Well-being
July 2009
Matrix was commissioned by NIACE (National Institute of Adult Continuing Education) to prepare a paper
addressing the question of how far learning can contribute to improving well-being. The paper takes a particular approach, applying cost-benefit analysis to produce very specific results, quantified and even
given monetary values. Such an approach is open to criticism, but it helps to focus the debate on alternative choices. You can download the report here.
Is custody an effective sentencing option for the UK?
July 2009
Kevin Marsh (Head of Economics at Matrix), Rashmi Sarmah and Chris Fox (Manchester Metropolitan University) wrote a paper on the effectiveness of custody as a sentencing option which was published in the June edition of the Probation Journal. You can read a summary below and download the report here. read more »
Health England Report, No. 2
March 2009
The UK Department of Health commissioned this review of existing literature and evidence regarding the cost-effectiveness of public health interventions.
Economic analysis of drug transaction ‘cycles’ described by incarcerated UK drug dealers
February 2009
Matrix provided the data for a study on drug distribution. The results have been published in a paper titled Economic analysis of drug transaction ‘cycles’ described by incarcerated UK drug dealers.
How Illegal Drugs Enter an Island Country: Insights from Interviews with Smugglers
February 2009
Matrix Knowledge Group gathered and analyzed data regarding the mechanisms by which illegal drugs enter a country.
How illegal drugs enter an island country
February 2009
Matrix provided the data for a study on drug smuggling. The results have been published in a paper titled How illegal drugs enter an island country: insights from interviews with incarcerated smugglers.
Economic Analysis of Drug Transaction “Cycles” Describe by Incarcerated UK Drug Dealers
February 2009
Matrix Knowledge Group gathered and analyzed data regarding the drivers of prices of illegal substances for a study focused on the dynamics of the market for illegal substances.
Do You Get What You Pay for?
January 2009
Kevin Marsh, Head of Economics at Matrix, has recently had a paper published in The Howard Journal of Criminal Justice titled Do You Get What You Pay for? Assessing the Use of Prison from an Economic Perspective. The paper assesses the relative economic costs and benefits of alternative sentences.
The cost of future problem drug use associated with young people
January 2009
Kevin Marsh, Head of Economic Evaluation at Matrix, recently published research on the cost of adolescent drug use in the Expert Review of Pharmacoeconomics. For further details on this research, please contact Kevin on email hidden; JavaScript is required.
2008
The economic case for and against prison
November 2008
The aim of this research was to answer the question: Are prison sentences a cost-beneficial way of reducing offending in those populations who are at risk of further offending? The methodological approach consisted of systematic review, statistical meta-analysis, and economic modelling. You can also download the technical appendix.
Prioritising investments in public health
October 2008
The aim of this research was to investigate health investment decisions, as many have been made with limited reference to data concerning effectiveness and cost-effectiveness. The research identified eight public health interventions which were found to be cost-effective. The method used was a rapid review. You can also download the full report.
Prioritising investment in public health: A review of the evidence
October 2008
How should healthcare decision-makers prioritise investments in public health? Which public health interventions work and are value for money? The Department of Health commissioned Matrix and Bazian to answer these questions.
Read more »
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Using a Rapid Evidence Assessment method, and within just one month, Matrix and Bazian reviewed the evidence for 41 interventions types across 8 areas of public policy, including: reduce smoking rates; prevent obesity; prevent dangerous drinking; prevent the uptake of and harm from illicit drug use; reduce the incidence of STI and reduce the rates of teenage pregnancy; promote breast feeding; promote healthy nutrition and dietary patterns; and promote health in the elderly.
Matrix has produced a short, and highly accessible summary of the report which outlines the key findings. You can also view the full published report.
Evaluation of the victims’ advocate
September 2008
In October 2006 the Ministry of Justice (MOJ) commissioned BMRB Social Research, Matrix Knowledge Group and Paul Rock of the London School of Economics (LSE) to evaluate the victims’ advocate scheme pilots. This report presents the findings of the evaluation.
The aim of the victims’ advocate scheme (VAS) was to explore how the criminal justice system (CJS) can improve the support and information available to families in murder and manslaughter cases, and to give them a voice in court. It involved three optional elements: enhanced pre-trial support; a family impact statement; and personal and social legal advice. The scheme was piloted in five Crown Court centres (Manchester, Birmingham, Cardiff, Winchester and the Central Criminal Court in London) and ran between 24 April 2006 and 23 April 2008.
Dedicated Drug Court Pilots – A Process Report
April 2008
Matrix has produced an independent process evaluation of the Dedicated drug court pilots in England and Wales for the Ministry of Justice.
In December 2005, the then Department of Constitutional Affairs announced a commitment to pilot Dedicated Drug Courts as part of the government’s agenda to reduce drug-related crime.
The illicit drug trade in the United Kingdom
February 2008
The Home Office commissioned Matrix Knowledge Group to undertake research into the structure of the illicit drug market in the UK. The research combined sociological, economic, and business techniques and interviewed over 200 dealers and traffickers in prison for more than seven years in the largest study of its kind ever undertaken.
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Following the publication of this report Matrix has produced a short, and highly accessible, Practitioner Guide which outlines the key findings from this report.
There has been a large amount of publicity from this report including several newspaper articles:
- The Sunday Times magazine article by Richard Girling – The battle to break Britain’s Mr Bigs.
- The Guardian article by Alan Travis: From foreign fields to UK streets – the anatomy of an £8bn industry.
- You can also access the diagrams used in this article here: How drugs gangs work and Drugs prices and mark-ups.
- The Guardian ‘Comment is Free’ article by Danny Kushlick: A drug on the market.
- The Times article by Richard Ford: How drug gangs are taking a leaf out of legitimate business manual.
- Daily Mail article: High salaries and little risk’ for UK’s £8billion drug barons.
- Daily Express article by Tom Whitehead: Evil drug barons net billions with 16,000% mark-up.
- The Telegraph article by John Steele: Police chiefs u-turn on cannabis classification.
2007
Understanding Drug Markets And How To Influence Them
October 2007
The latest report in the Beckley series looks at the operation of middle-level drug dealers, and how their behaviour is influenced by the activities of the law enforcement agencies. Based on a small number of studies that have been carried out in this field, the report finds that, while it is unlikely that law enforcement action can achieve long term and sustainable reductions in the overall scale of a drug market, properly targeted activities can impact on the nature of the market, and affect the behaviour of dealers and trafficking organisations.
An Economic Analysis of School Home Support
October 2007
The aim of the research was to address the question: What is the economic value of the School Home Support? The method used was a rapid evidence assessment with economic analysis.
Final Report on the National Evaluation of the Local Exercise Action Pilots
March 2007
The final report from the national evaluation of the Local Exercise Action Pilots has now been published. Matrix undertook research to calculate the cost of LEAP and modelled the long-term economic benefits associated with the improvements in physical activity resulting from LEAP.
Community-based interventions to reduce substance misuse among vulnerable young people
March 2007
NICE commissioned Matrix to produce public health guidance on community-based interventions to reduce substance misuse among vulnerable and disadvantaged children and young people.
2006
Cost effectiveness of interventions to reduce young people’s substance misuse
August 2006
Matrix was commissioned by NICE to write two papers on the cost effectiveness of interventions to reduce young people’s substance misuse. You can download the following reports by clicking on the links below.
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Cost effectiveness of primary care-based physical activity interventions
June 2006
Matrix was commissioned by NICE to write two papers on the cost effectiveness of primary care-based physical activity interventions. You can download the following reports by clicking on the links.
Reviews
2011
Service User Experience in Adult Mental Health Guidance
December 2011
Work undertaken by The Reviews Team to support the National Collaborating Centre for Mental Health in producing a national clinical guideline has been published. Read the guidance paper here.
Understanding vulnerability and resilience in individuals to the influence of Al Qa’ida violent extremism.
November 2011
The Home Office (Office for Security and Counter-Terrorism) has just published our report on Understanding vulnerability and resilience in individuals to the influence of Al Qa’ida violent extremism. It can be downloaded here.
This Rapid Evidence Assessment identifies the social, psychological and physical factors for vulnerability or resilience to Al Qa‘ida influenced violent extremism. In the absence of a mature empirical evidence base it explores what transferrable knowledge can be taken from the more developed literature on other types of violent activity e.g. other terrorist activity, gangs, cults, etc.
Spotlight on dementia
October 2011
A report written by Matrix Evidence on dementia care has recently been published by The Health Foundation. This report brings together good practice guidance, research evidence and current data on service delivery with the aim of helping health service providers provide high quality care. Click here to read the full report.
Getting out of hospital?
July 2011
Matrix Evidence was commissioned by the Health Foundation to summarise the evidence on the effects of transferring acute inpatient and day-case services from hospitals into the community. The review concluded that such a shift was often associated with improved patient satisfaction, and, in the right context, the quality of care delivered in the community could be comparable to that provided by hospitals. However, the lack of robust economic data means it is by no means certain that such a move would lead to cost savings for the NHS or social care. Read the report here.
Key facts and figures from the Criminal Justice System
March 2011
Matrix Evidence has published a simple guide to the latest crime statistics in a bid to make the figures more accessible to the general public. While showing that crime has fallen dramatically since the mid nineties, the figures also highlight the fact that less than one third of crimes reported to the police end up with a suspect being identified. Most offences are committed by young men, a statistic local authorities planning cuts to youth services might well need to think about. Click here to download the publication.
2010
Improving outcomes for young people
September 2010
Matrix Evidence were commissioned by Centre for Excellence and Outcomes in Children and Young People’s Services (C4EO) to carry out a review to improve understanding of targeted youth support (TYS) services. Read the report here.
Circumstances under which government guidance impacts on the actions of directors of corporate bodies: A Rapid Evidence Assessment (REA)
August 2010
The Health and Safety Executive commissioned Matrix to conduct an REA of the literature on the impact of guidance on the actions of corporate policies and practices, identifying key factors which may support the implementation of guidance. Click here to read the report.
Valuing health: business case literature review
June 2010
The Improvement and Development Agency (IdeA) commissioned Matrix Evidence to conduct a narrative review of the financial and non-financial impacts of health improvement interventions, with an emphasis on interventions relevant to local authorities. You can download the report here.
Resources and environmental changes to prevent skin cancer
April 2010
NICE was asked by the Department of Health (DH) to develop public health intervention guidance on sun protection resources and environmental changes to prevent skin cancer for the NHS and local authorities. Matrix Evidence was commissioned by NICE to develop a qualitative evidence review on Sun protection resources and changes to the environment to prevent skin cancer.
You can find additional information on the NICE website.
The Employee Ownership effect
March 2010
The EOA commissioned Matrix Evidence to undertake a review of the evidence concerning the benefits of employee ownership as a business model. Click here to read the report. The study was sponsored by the John Lewis Partnership and the health company Circle.
2009
LBRO National Threats Research Reports
December 2009
The Local Better Regulation Office (LBRO) commissioned the Matrix and Kings College, London, to investigate the extent to which the current system of local regulation does not sufficiently deal with some threats to UK residents, businesses, and consumers. read more »
Organisational Health: a new perspective on performance improvement?
June 2009
The NHS Institute for Innovation and Improvement commissioned Matrix Insight to produce a rapid literature review to understand the potential of organisational health more deeply.
The paper which can be downloaded here begins as a synthesis of the key themes connected to organisational health in the literature and then draws inference from wider concepts to extend these core ideas. It is a research paper that requires some deep concentration and reflection to read. Yet it contains some true insights for thinking about organisational and system performance in the future.
2008
The economic case for and against prison
November 2008
The aim of this research was to answer the question: Are prison sentences a cost-beneficial way of reducing offending in those populations who are at risk of further offending? The methodological approach consisted of systematic review, statistical meta-analysis, and economic modelling. You can also download the technical appendix.
Prioritising investment in public health: A review of the evidence
October 2008
How should healthcare decision-makers prioritise investments in public health? Which public health interventions work and are value for money? The Department of Health commissioned Matrix and Bazian to answer these questions.
Read more »
Read less »
Using a Rapid Evidence Assessment method, and within just one month, Matrix and Bazian reviewed the evidence for 41 interventions types across 8 areas of public policy, including: reduce smoking rates; prevent obesity; prevent dangerous drinking; prevent the uptake of and harm from illicit drug use; reduce the incidence of STI and reduce the rates of teenage pregnancy; promote breast feeding; promote healthy nutrition and dietary patterns; and promote health in the elderly.
Matrix has produced a short, and highly accessible summary of the report which outlines the key findings. You can also view the full published report.
Prioritising investments in public health
October 2008
The aim of this research was to investigate health investment decisions, as many have been made with limited reference to data concerning effectiveness and cost-effectiveness. The research identified eight public health interventions which were found to be cost-effective. The method used was a rapid review. You can also download the full report.
Operational Research
2008
DG Research: Statistical and qualitative analysis of the Evimp2 results
November 2008
Matrix Insight was commissioned by the Directorate General for Research, Technology and Development of the European Commission to carry out a statistical and qualitative analyses of data collected as part of an evaluation of projects under the “Competitive and Sustainable Growth” programme which formed part of the 5th Framework Programme (FP5). You can download the report here.
Evaluations
2011
Evaluation of the Challenge and Support programme
July 2011
The Department for Education has just published Matrix Evidence’s three year evaluation of the Challenge and Support programme, a multi-million pound initiative aimed at tackling anti-social behaviour in young people in 52 areas in England. Our report concluded that the programme was likely to have had a positive impact in reducing persistent antisocial behaviour and diverting young people away from the justice system. However, we also highlighted the lack of robust data to measure both the cost of delivery and the impact of the service as being a real and persistent problem and stated that “Where commissioners are going to pay for services on the basis of successful delivery of outcomes, it is essential these issues be addressed.” The report can be downloaded here.
Evaluation of the Adults facing Chronic Exclusion programme (ACE)
June 2011
The Department of Communities and Local Government has published Matrix’s evaluation of the Adults facing Chronic Exclusion programme (ACE). The programme tested new ways of working with excluded people who do not access services in the community because their lives are chaotic and their needs are too complex. The evaluation found that the pilots offered support from a consistent, trusted adult and the interventions proved to be effective and inexpensive. Some of the pilots are highly replicable and half have received continuation funding locally. The Matrix report highlights lessons for public sector reform – particularly how to make services more flexible and collaborative. Please follow the link to the report which provides information on cost-benefit measurements, pilot outcomes and implications for policy”. You can download the report here
2010
A Review of Youth Offending Teams and Children’s Services’ Interaction with Young Offenders and Young People at Risk of Offending
September 2010
Matrix Evidence were commissioned by the Youth Justice Board for England and Wales (YJB) to review Children’s Services provision for young offenders and young people at risk of offending. Download the study here.
2009
LBRO National Threats Research Reports
December 2009
The Local Better Regulation Office (LBRO) commissioned Matrix and Kings College, London, to investigate the extent to which the current system of local regulation does not sufficiently deal with some threats to UK residents, businesses, and consumers. read more »
Adults Facing Chronic Exclusion (ACE) programme
December 2009
The Adults Facing Chronic Exclusion (ACE) programme was established in 2007 as a cross-government collaboration. The aim of the programme is to test new ways of working with adults facing chronic exclusion to achieve better outcomes for individuals and communities, and whether this can be done more cost effectively than existing approaches.
Matrix Insight was commissioned to evaluate the 12 ACE pilots located across England, this evaluation is designed to capture the common learning from the Programme.
How illegal drugs enter an island country
February 2009
Matrix provided the data for a study on drug smuggling. The results have been published in a paper titled How illegal drugs enter an island country: insights from interviews with incarcerated smugglers.
How Illegal Drugs Enter an Island Country: Insights from Interviews with Smugglers
February 2009
Matrix Knowledge Group gathered and analyzed data regarding the mechanisms by which illegal drugs enter a country.
2008
Business views of organised crime
December 2008
Matt Hopkins and John Burrows recently wrote a report with Nick Tilley and Adam Edwards titled Business views of organised crime, a Home Office Research Report 10.
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The report develops a methodological approach to measure the extent and impact of organised crime against small businesses. This involved conducting over 400 interviews with business in three English cities. The links below will take you to the report and accompanying documents.
Evaluation of the victims’ advocate
October 2008
In October 2006 the Ministry of Justice (MOJ) commissioned BMRB Social Research, Matrix Knowledge Group and Paul Rock of the London School of Economics (LSE) to evaluate the victims’ advocate scheme pilots. This report presents the findings of the evaluation.
The aim of the victims’ advocate scheme (VAS) was to explore how the criminal justice system (CJS) can improve the support and information available to families in murder and manslaughter cases, and to give them a voice in court. It involved three optional elements: enhanced pre-trial support; a family impact statement; and personal and social legal advice. The scheme was piloted in five Crown Court centres (Manchester, Birmingham, Cardiff, Winchester and the Central Criminal Court in London) and ran between 24 April 2006 and 23 April 2008.
Dedicated Drug Court Pilots – A Process Report
April 2008
Matrix has produced an independent process evaluation of the Dedicated drug court pilots in England and Wales for the Ministry of Justice.
In December 2005, the then Department of Constitutional Affairs announced a commitment to pilot Dedicated Drug Courts as part of the government’s agenda to reduce drug-related crime.
2006
National Evaluation of the Street Wardens Programme
August 2006
In 2002 the neighbourhood renewal unit (NRU) commissioned Matrix to lead the national evaluation of the street wardens programme. This report provides the findings of the evaluation, which was based on household surveys, case studies and questionnaires.
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The report set out to look at what effect the Street Wardens Programme (SWP) was having, in particularly looking to see if they have:
- Improved the physical appearance of streets
- Fostered social inclusion
- Reduced crime and fear of crime, and
- Deterred anti-social behaviour (ASB)
