Skip to content

Our approach & methodology

A structured approach from research questions to actionable recommendations.

A clear, repeatable delivery methodology — adapted to the size, scope and requirements of each assignment, from a focused data project to a multi-stage needs assessment.

Project team arranging research stages and milestones on a whiteboard

Six stages

How an assignment runs

Every assignment follows the same disciplined route, scaled to the brief. Our detailed methodology, quality assurance and governance arrangements are shared in our capability statement and tailored proposals.

  1. 1

    Stage 1

    Mobilisation and Scoping

    Agree the questions, scope, stakeholders and the decisions the work must inform.

  2. 2

    Stage 2

    Evidence Review and Research Design

    Build on what is already known and design the right evidence base for the brief.

  3. 3

    Stage 3

    Fieldwork and Data Collection

    Gather robust, ethical and quality-assured evidence.

  4. 4

    Stage 4

    Analysis and Evidence Triangulation

    Test findings across sources to establish what is happening and why.

  5. 5

    Stage 5

    Findings and Recommendations

    Turn evidence into clear priorities and practical recommendations.

  6. 6

    Stage 6

    Reporting and Knowledge Sharing

    Present findings in a form decision-makers can act on.

What you can expect

Our commitments on every assignment

A clear question

We agree the decisions the work must inform before any evidence is collected.

Robust evidence

Methods are proportionate to the brief and quality-assured throughout.

Practical recommendations

Findings are prioritised and written for the people who must act on them.

No surprises

Agreed milestones, regular progress updates and a named lead from start to finish.

Want the full methodology?

Our detailed approach, quality assurance and governance arrangements are set out in our capability statement and in every tailored proposal.