Choosing to commission an independent research project means that you will be able to make evidence-based decisions, and provide the kind of convincing stats and verbatim comments that will help you to produce successful funding applications and project monitoring.  As a supplier of research services, I bring an assurance of credibility to your research project, due to being qualified, experienced and objective.

 

I am a professional and pragmatic consultant who is skilled in working with those with no prior research knowledge as well as those who are highly research literate. I take pride in enabling others to appreciate the significant role that research can play in information-based decision making, and ensuring clients are provided with useful and usable insight.

 

About my professional interests:

 

• I have extensive experience in research relating to the arts, relating to mental health, relating to inequalities, and generally encouraging evidence-based decision making in organisations that benefit the community.

• I have a particular interest in the role that the arts play in reducing inequalities, and believe strongly that everyone has a cultural entitlement to access to high quality arts and cultural resources no matter what their individual circumstances.

• I have had the privilege of getting a unique insight into hundreds of organisations through my work which means that I am well placed to undertake research relating to organisational strategy, business planning and progress, pricing, branding, positioning and communications.

 

The type of projects that I can help you with include:

 

• Evaluating the process or impact of your existing projects, services or initiatives

• Testing out potential projects, services or initiatives

• Finding out what your service users, customers, audience, staff or funders think

• Evaluating or developing your marketing and communications

• Research with a representative sample of the general public

• Scoping out a theory or providing data to support an idea

• Mapping service provision

• Or simply answering your burning questions about anything and everything!

 

I am highly skilled in managing and conducting research using a wide range of methodologies.  I therefore offer a bespoke service to meet your needs, including:

 

The full spectrum of research and evaluation services:

 

• Finding funding

• Proposal writing

• Design of methodology and research tools

• Fieldwork

• Analysis

• Reporting and recommendations

• Dissemination

• Project management

 

Quantitative research:

 

• Questionnaire design

• Advice on questionnaire design / improving existing questionnaires

• Questionnaire checking (see Ruthless Review)

• Web surveys

• Subcontracting of telephone / postal / face-to-face surveys

• Omnibus surveys

• Advice on using omnibus surveys

 

Qualitative research:

 

• Focus groups

• Depth interviews

 

Other research:

 

• Mapping

• Mystery shopping

• Advice on conducting and analysing your own research

 

Professional advice and support relating to research:

 

• Research commissioning support

• Business and marketing planning

• Blogging and article writing

• Bespoke training (including questionnaire design, moderation skills and analysis techniques)