Lessons Learned by the K4D Helpdesk Service: Delivering Evidence Synthesis for Policy and Practice

This paper is a reflection on experience and lessons learned over the six years of the Knowledge, Evidence and Learning for Development (K4D) Programme (2016–2022). It reviews what the programme has learned about delivering a rapid-response evidence synthesis service effectively and efficiently. It identifies key features of an evidence synthesis service, the approaches that the K4D Helpdesk service uses to deliver these features, and lessons for consideration by future projects delivering similar services.