The range of services we deliver is described below. To find
case study examples of projects we have undertaken delivering
these services, please visit the client
page
Organisations ask us to undertake feasibility
studies to investigate the potential demand for a proposed
project or service. Needs analysis is a useful way to identify
the differing demands of service users (individuals or agencies),
staff and other stakeholders and determine how these needs
can best be met. To undertake both of these we would carry
out, for example, a baseline assessment identifying the needs
of the organisation and its staff, customers, users and key
stakeholders; identify funding implications; map strengths,
weaknesses, opportunities and threats; and carry out option
appraisals.
For case study examples click on Association
of Train Operating Companies (ATOC)and
the Black
Country Change Up Consortium.
We are often commissioned to carry out
research to identify whether specific problem exists, its character
and dimensions and proposed solutions. We have been asked to
identify and find solutions for a range of problems, for example
‘understanding offenders’, ‘what works to
reduce crime in high crime/socially excluded areas’ and
‘how does the legal system benefit transport operators’.
Click to find case study examples: Transport
for London , Nottingham
Trent University and Department
for Transport .
We undertake evaluations of programmes
and projects to help people identify the quality and impact
of their work. In many instances these are final reviews like
those we have undertaken at the end of SRB programmes but
we also undertake ongoing evaluations. These enable organisations
to learn from the research, make necessary changes to their
collection and monitoring of data and to change their operational
processes. For case study examples click on Golborne
United and Public
Law Project (PLP) and National Association for Voluntary and
Community Action (NAVCA).
Organisations often want to take stock,
consolidate or explore the effectiveness of their current
management and operational structures. Working with the organisation
we explore the strengths and weaknesses of the current situation,
identify any areas that might need immediate and long term
solutions and develop practical recommendations and action
plans. We use methods best suited to the situation and these
may include a review of the organisation’s objectives,
current and future changes; an exploration of future opportunities;
and drawing on the knowledge and experience of those working
at all levels in the organisation. Click on Self
Advocacy organisation.
We use research techniques such as surveys,
focus groups, stakeholder interviews and SWOT analysis to
map the needs and identify the ways in which an organisation
may need to develop in order to deliver its objectives. Staff
and service users are usually involved in this process. From
our findings and in consultation with the client we develop
an achievable strategy and an action plan, offering support
with their dissemination and implementation. Click on Wychavon
Community Action.
We have the experience and skills to
prepare guidance, briefings and summaries of our research
findings for a wide range of different audiences. Examples
include: a public consultation document about a bus strategy
(for Merseytravel); guidance for youth justice staff about
best practice management of volunteers (for the Youth Justice
Board); providing written feedback from consultations with
residents through local newsletters; and briefing papers for
public transport operators – click on Department
for Transport.
Drawing on our research and governance
experience, and knowing how important the role of trustees
and effective boards are to an organisation, we have developed
both open and in house training on Reducing the Risk of Governance.
This is designed to help trustees (and staff) to understand
the basic principles of good governance; identify areas and
times of risk and how to address them; and identify gaps and
weaknesses in their own, or their organisation’s, practice.
The training material specifically draws on Governance Hub
material in the ‘Code of Governance Toolkit’ and
‘Reducing the Risk’ (publication arising as a
result of our research – see link to Governance
Hub). |
What we deliver 