The project's first phase of work focused on learning more about how civil society organisations (CSOs) use evidence to influence policy processes, identifying northern and southern organisations helping them to do this, and improving ODI's own information and communication activities to be more useful and accessible for CSOs.

The first phase undertook a series of consultations around the world, at which directors and senior staff from 17 southern policy research institutes, think tanks and NGOs in Asia, Africa and Latin America  confirmed the value of the information, tools and support provided by the programme so far, shared much of their own detailed knowledge and practical experience, and were enthusiastic to continue to work with the programme.

The second phase focused on establishing this network. Membership initially included the individuals and organisations who had already been working with ODI through the regional consultations, small scale collaborative projects, and global projects.The CSPP then evolved into the Evidence-based Policy in Development Network (ebpdn). The ebpdn website is designed as a community website that provides: knowledge on bridging research and policy; details of members of the network; a directory of training and advisory expertise; discussion forums; project areas; and a partnership brokering area. For more information, or to register as a member, visit http://www.ebpdn.org.