Cardiff University has been named as the research partner for a new centre to find out what works best in children's social care.

It will collaborate with social innovation charity Nesta, which was awarded the contract to deliver the What Works Centre last month.

Researchers at the university will develop 'a strong evidence base around effective interventions and practice systems'.

Prof Donald Forrester of Cardiff University and director of research at the new centre said: 'The What Works Centre aims to provide useful evidence of the highest standard for workers and leaders across children’s social care, and we look forward to delivering an ambitious programme of work aimed at making a tangible difference to services for children and their families.'

Minister for children and families Robert Goodwill said: 'The What Works Centre will play an important role in building evidence to both help improve outcomes for children and deliver cost effective innovation, and I am delighted that Cardiff University has been awarded the research partnership.'