Sometimes the answers you need just don’t exist yet, or not in a form that’s useful. When reviewing existing evidence doesn’t go far enough, bespoke research can help fill the gaps. Whether it’s finding out what people think, measuring how something is working, or exploring what’s changed over time, we work with you to shape and deliver research that’s fit for purpose.
Our research services are flexible, grounded, and built around your specific needs. We help you ask the right questions, use appropriate methods, and get the insight you need to make decisions, shape practice, or communicate your impact.
Why it matters
Research doesn’t have to be academic to be useful. When designed well, it can help you:
- Understand people’s needs and experiences
- Monitor and improve programmes or services
- Build a stronger case for funding, change, or expansion
- Develop new ideas and test them in real-world settings
We work in partnership with you to make sure the research fits your audience, timelines, and context—without losing rigour or clarity.
Research Approaches
Exploratory & Descriptive
Best suited to early-stage work or emerging questions. This approach helps map out what’s happening, where the gaps are, and what might need further attention. Useful for shaping future programmes, informing stakeholder engagement, or guiding more in-depth research.
Example: A community health project used this approach to understand barriers to service use among young adults. The findings helped reshape messaging and outreach activities.
Quantitative Research
Structured data collection and analysis—often using surveys, audits, or routine data. This method helps identify patterns, trends, or relationships, and is well-suited for measuring changes over time, assessing reach, or evaluating defined outcomes.
Example: A local authority used survey-based research to assess changes in parental confidence following a parenting course. Results supported both internal improvement and external reporting.
Qualitative Research
Ideal for understanding lived experience, behaviours, or attitudes in more depth. We use methods like interviews, focus groups, or observation to explore the ‘why’ and ‘how’ behind the numbers.
Example: A charity working with older adults commissioned qualitative research to understand how loneliness was experienced differently in urban and rural settings. The findings helped tailor future interventions.
Mixed-Methods & Advanced Analysis
Combining numbers with narrative, this approach offers the best of both worlds. It allows for richer, more layered understanding of an issue and is especially valuable in complex projects where no single method is enough.
Example: A national body used mixed-methods research to explore outcomes of a new digital support service. Surveys captured broad trends, while interviews helped understand user experiences and barriers.
What you can expect
- Research tailored to your audience, timelines, and goals
- Careful design and clear, structured reporting
- Ethical, transparent processes throughout
- Support from question design to final write-up
If you’re not sure what approach you need, or want to talk through how research could support your current work, get in touch using the form below. We’re always happy to help shape your next steps.
Research Well 