Research
Better research. Meaningful collaboration. Real-world impact
We carry out high-quality research and help researchers involve people meaningfully throughout the research process. From interviews and evidence reviews to participatory research and stakeholder dialogue, we design approaches that generate useful evidence and help turn it into action
Commissioned research
We undertake commissioned research for government, the third sector and other organisations, using qualitative and participatory methods to explore complex environmental and social issues.
Workshops
Workshops are at the core of what we do. In many cases they are the most efficient way to understand stakeholder views in depth.
- Facilitation that draws out diverse perspectives in the room
- Recording methods that capture what is said clearly and faithfully
- Outputs structured so data can be analysed and used for research
Semi-structured interviews
Our team’s social science grounding means we can design and run semi-structured interviews for research — online or in person, to suit your project.
- Detailed understanding of people’s views on a specific topic
- Flexible questioning that follows the conversation without losing focus
- Experience with clients including the Scottish Government, the Joint Nature Conservation Committee, and Northern Ireland Environment Link
Online surveys
We design and distribute online surveys to gather information and opinions from a wider range of participants.
- Broad understanding of a topic across many voices
- Factual and numeric data you can compare and track
- Often combined with workshops, interviews, and other methods
Literature reviews
We have extensive experience reviewing literature and weaving findings into larger research projects.
- Structured system for collecting, reviewing, and summarising sources
- Cost-effective, rapid reviews without cutting corners
- Clear links from evidence to your project’s questions and outputs
Analysing and reporting
Our team processes and analyses large volumes of qualitative data and presents it in our ‘Word for Word’ reports — comprehensive, usable, and faithful to what people said.
- No pre-set criteria or keyword searches that skew what you hear
- Less risk of missing new, nuanced, or alternative perspectives
- Reporting designed to be understood and acted on, not just archived
Supporting collaborative research
We work alongside researchers and research institutions across disciplines, bringing our expertise in participation, engagement and dialogue to different stages of the research process.
Co-designing research
Involve stakeholders in proposal development and research design
Relationships & collaboration
Build strong relationships between researchers, stakeholders and partners
Knowledge exchange
Create opportunities for reflection, shared learning and exchange between researchers and stakeholders
Pathways to impact
Build pathways to impact through meaningful stakeholder involvement that keeps research grounded in real-world needs
But don’t just take our word for it
A great range of opinions
& views
Very stimulating
discussions from
a wide range of
different perspectives
It exceeded
all my expectations
The discussions were
brilliant & I had a
chance to learn
more from people
during the group work
Great discussions
& I learnt a lot from
other participants too
COULD WE SUPPORT YOUR RESEARCH?
Get in touch to tell us about your research and explore how we could help - from designing and deliverying research to strengthening collaboration and impact