Implementation of evidence‐based practice: confessions of an enthusiastic amateur

Purpose – The article aims to examine the process and challenges of setting up and implementing evidence‐based programmes in regular service systems. Design/methodology/approach – The article offers a first‐hand account of a service manager seeking to implement Multisystemic Therapy and Triple P. Findings – The process of setting up and implementing evidence‐based programmes involved significant challenges, including securing funding, managing stakeholders, finding suitable staff, arranging training, and managing supply and demand. Various relational, cultural and systemic issues need to be addressed if the professional system is to embrace evidence‐based programmes. Originality/value – Few evidence‐based programmes in the UK have been implemented extensively in regular service systems. This is a first‐hand account of a rare attempt to do so.