Social Policy
Evidence-based solutions for complex social issues
Our social policy team helps clients to improve policy and practice, supporting better outcomes for all.
Our research specialists work with policymakers, funders and delivery partners in the public, voluntary and private sectors to reduce inequalities and disadvantage. Our aim is to contribute to a fairer, safer society by engaging with service users, practitioners, delivery partners and other stakeholders. We have experience in a range of research methods, with a particular emphasis on robust theory-based and quasi-experimental designs.
We focus on tackling complex social issues, including
- Crime and justice
- Migration and housing
- Policing and prison
- Social cohesion and resilience
- Violence against women and girls
- Youth violence and anti-social behaviour
- Children and families
- Additional needs, special educational needs and disabilities
- Childcare
- Early years
- Education
- Social inclusion and equality
Our clients include the Home Office, Crown Prosecution Service, Cabinet Office, Department for Education (England), Department of Education (Northern Ireland), Department of Children, Disability and Equality (Ireland) and Transforming Access and Student Outcomes in Higher Education (TASO) and Youth Endowment Fund (YEF).
Our work includes evaluating programmes that support
- Offenders and those at risk of violence or radicalisation
- High quality education, learning and care for children and young people
- Equality outcomes for women, young adults, people with disabilities and ethnic minority communities.
We provide policymakers with the evidence to guide decisions and improve lives. Our team includes researchers, evaluators, statisticians and modellers. We use a range of methods to deliver clear, evidence-based insights, including
- Evidence reviews
- Process and impact evaluations
- Stakeholder consultation and surveys
- Using trauma-informed approaches to assess impact.
We tailor our work to meet the unique challenges of social policy, involving multiple stakeholder groups and using our knowledge of trauma-informed approaches.
Our specialist skillset:
Evidence reviews:
Evidence reviews:
Structured and systematic assessment of existing research, data, and insights to identify, evaluate, and synthesise high-quality evidence, to inform decision-making and service improvement
Process, and impact and economic evaluation:
Process, and impact and economic evaluation:
Designing and delivering evaluations to assess performance, impact and value for money
Theory-based approaches:
Theory-based approaches:
Constructing theory-based models to investigate the net impacts of social policy interventions by exploring their causal chains, especially in the context of answering process evaluation questions. The models build understanding of contextual factors. They are based on strong engagement with the client and key stakeholders.
Qualitative research and inclusive engagement:
Qualitative research and inclusive engagement:
Gathering insights through interviews, focus groups and co-produced research using trauma-informed and participatory methods
Trauma-informed approaches:
Trauma-informed approaches:
Designing research, services and strategies that recognise the impact of trauma, prioritise emotional safety, and embed principles of trust, choice and empowerment across systems and interactions
Speak to our expert advisor:
Emilio Torrini
Director