The range of
recent clients is listed below with a brief description of the
work undertaken. For more information about our methods of working,
please visit the‘what
we provide’page.
Association of Train Operating Companies (ATOC)
We conducted a feasibility study for
the Association of Train Operating Companies into the need
for an alternative case resolution service for Disability
Discrimination Act cases.
We conducted interviews with managers
in the Train Operating Companies (TOCs) and Network Rail;
representatives from a range of disability organisations;
and managers from existing conciliation services.
We provided ATOC with a report including
costed options and recommendations.
Black Country Change Up Consortium
We mapped both the needs of the VCS and
the level of infrastructure provision in the Black Country.
We used a self completion questionnaire
survey of the sector and focus group discussions with representatives
from voluntary sector organisations across the Black Country.
Infrastructure providers completed online surveys and undertook
telephone interviews.
We provided the Consortium with research
findings which informed their planning for improved infrastructure
provision within their areas. From this we worked with the
Consortium to develop a successful proposal for Change Up
funding.
Centro
We helped Centro
to plan a partnership event, bringing together key agencies
in the West Midlands to share information about crime prevention
on public transport at local, regional and national level, and
to consider how this might be co-ordinated in the future. We
facilitated and presented at the event and wrote up the key
findings, which have informed Centro’s subsequent planning.
Commission for Architecture and the
Built Environment (CABE)
We carried out post occupancy research
in new housing developments in the north and south east
of England and Greater London. The research was commissioned
to explore residents’ experiences and views of their
home and neighbourhood, and their requirements for design
quality.
In each of the case study locations,
we used a face-to-face interview survey and focus group
discussion with residents to explore their views and provided
qualitative and quantitative data.
Our report was published by CABE:
‘What its like to live there: the views of residents
on the design of new housing’ (www.cabe.org.uk).
Department for Transport (DfT)
We conducted research to identify
the nature and extent to which the third round of crime
and disorder audits and strategies in England incorporated
crime and personal security on public transport, and ways
in which transport operators can be effective in getting
their issues onto the agenda of Crime and Disorder Reduction
Partnerships (CDRPs). This involved a desk analysis and
interviews with representatives from CDRPs, transport operators
and the BTP. On the basis of our findings we prepared guidance
for CDRPs on reducing crime on public transport.
We conducted research into the costs of
crime on public transport in England, adapting as far as
possible the Home Office methodology and unit costs for
costs of crime in the wider environment.
We conducted research to identify and
explore the nature of personal security problems affecting
taxi and private hire vehicle (PHV) drivers in England,
and what measures would improve their actual and perceived
security. This involved a literature review; interviews
with licensing authorities, the police, CDRPs, taxi and
PHV operators and drivers, and observation. We prepared
personal security guidance for drivers and a model ‘contract’
between drivers and passengers.
We have reviewed the DfT Gender
Audit and Checklist in the light of the Gender Equality
Duty that came into force in April 2007. As part of the
commitment made in their Gender Equality Scheme, we consulted
with a range of women and men about their specific transport
needs. These included focus group discussions with black
and minority ethnic women; young men and women in rural
areas; workless men; women carers; and transsexuals.
We have undertaken national research
to explore the impact of increased demand for on-bus priority
space between wheelchair users and passengers with buggies.
Surveys and focus group discussions were held with disabled
bus users, parents who were buggy users, and bus drivers.
A second stage of the research identified examples of initiatives
to reduce any potential for conflict in the use of priority
spaces and seating.
We undertook a national research
project to identify ways of reducing crime and fear of crime
at rail stations in high crime and socially excluded areas.
The research was conducted through interview surveys and
focus group discussions; and by facilitating action research
with agencies to identify short term practical improvements
for enhanced security.
We conducted a national research project
to explore the scope for and barriers to using the legal
system to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour on public
transport. Semi structured interviews were conducted with
transport providers and criminal justice practitioners,
and a round table discussion was used to explore contentious
issues.
We undertook national research through
case studies to assess the use of different staffing options
to improve personal security over the ‘whole journey’.
The research was conducted through interview surveys; focus
group discussions with front line staff and passengers;
and structured interviews with those responsible for delivering
the initiatives and concluded with a national conference.
Our research reports and resulting
guidance can be found on the DfT website:www.dft.gov.uk
Golborne United
We conducted a final evaluation
for Golborne United, an SRB programme in a diverse and socially
disadvantaged inner city area with high crime, fear of crime
and drug misuse.
We conducted in depth consultations with
residents and community groups through focus group discussions
and stakeholder interviews.
In addition to preparing and presenting
an evaluation report which went to the London Development
Agency we undertook consultations in relation to Golborne
United’s successor body, and drafted its constitution.
Governance Hub
We carried out national research into
the liabilities of trusteeship for the Governance Hub.
We conducted telephone and face-to-face
interviews with stakeholders (including from the sector,
Charities Commission and insurance industry); held focus
group discussions with trustees; investigated case studies
relating to legal liability; and facilitated a Round Table
discussion of experts.
Our report with conclusions and
recommendations is on the Governance Hub website, as is
the resulting document: ‘Reducing the Risk –
A guide to trustee liability’.
( www.governancehub.org.uk)
Nottingham Trent University
We worked for Nottingham Trent University,
identifying the personal security issues for students while
travelling from the campus to their accommodation late at
night.
We conducted a self completion survey;
held focus group discussions with students living both in
Hall and in the community; undertook desk research into
good practice elsewhere in the UK, and conducted stakeholder
interviews.
Our report, containing key findings and
recommendations, was presented to a meeting of representatives
from the University and local authority transportation department.
Notting Hill Housing Trust
We conducted a mid-term and final evaluation
of the Dalgarno SRB programme in London, an area with problems
of anti social behaviour and a high degree of social exclusion.
We conducted a questionnaire survey and
focus group discussions with residents, data analysis and
stakeholder interviews, to assess progress against targets.
Our report, which included recommendations
for the exit strategy, went to the Dalgarno Board and London
Development Agency.
