Social Research

Our Social Research Consultancy

We help charities, funders and public sector organisations understand social needs, explore people’s experiences and make informed decisions. Our research brings together robust evidence and practical insights to support service development, strategy and policy.

Needs assessments and service mapping

We investigate the needs of communities and map existing services to identify gaps in provision and barriers to support. Our findings help organisations prioritise resources and plan services that respond to unmet need.

Consultation and lived experience research

We explore the views and experiences of service users, communities and stakeholders through accessible, inclusive research. We help organisations understand what matters to people and use these insights to shape decisions.

Research to inform service development and strategy

We gather and analyse evidence to help organisations develop services, explore options and set strategic priorities. Our research provides practical recommendations grounded in people’s needs and the context in which services operate.

Research for policy and influencing

We investigate social issues, service pressures and gaps in support to build evidence for policy and influencing work. We present clear findings and well-supported recommendations to inform discussions with policymakers, commissioners and funders.

What can social research help you understand?

Social research helps you explore the issues affecting the people and communities you work with. We shape each study around the questions you need answered, which might include:

Needs and priorities

What challenges are people facing, and what support matters most to them?

Gaps in provision

Where is existing support insufficient, and whose needs are being overlooked?

Barriers to access

What prevents people from finding, accessing or engaging with services?

Experiences and perspectives

How do people experience services, policies and systems, and what would they like to change?

Changing demand

How are needs evolving, and what could this mean for future provision?

Priorities for action

What does the evidence suggest should change in services, funding or policy?

Research Methods

We use quantitative and qualitative methods to explore social issues, understand people’s experiences and answer practical questions. We select approaches to suit each study, drawing on existing evidence alongside new research and making participation accessible to the people whose perspectives matter.

Typical Social Research Tools

Questionnaires and Surveys

Interviews – in-person, online and via telephone

Focus Groups – in-person and online

Literature / Evidence Review

Benchmarking and population Data

Clients

We are trusted by a fantastic array of charities, not-for-profits and statutory organisations. Here are just a few of them…
Catch22 Logo NCEL Logo Carers Trust Logo Canterbury Archaeological Trust logo

Get in touch to discuss your social research project.

Whether you have a detailed brief or if you are just at the stage of defining your needs, we would be delighted to hear about your plans and offer our input on the approach and next steps.

Contact Form

Call for a free initial consultation

020 3923 2291