As consultants we advise our clients on the most effective ways of conducting their research in order to achieve their policy objectives. The aim is always to provide reliable results within the constraints of both budget and timetable.

Reliability If research is to inform public policy then the results need to be reliable but how can this be best achieved? In essence the more people consulted the more reliable the results. Whether choosing the number of focus groups or the sample size for a survey, there will be a trade off between larger, more accurate (and expensive) studies and smaller but less costly research. The key is always to produce data that is fit for purpose.

Budget Research budgets are usually fixed by clients so our task is to advise on how these can be most effectively spent. Would a survey conducted face to face with 250 people produce better results than a postal survey of 2500? For a leisure centre on a tight budget an exit poll would probably represent better value for money than a focus group with centre users.

Timetable The growth of short term funding and the increasing pace of policy change has seen timetables for research and evaluation studies reduced. Clients need advice on how best to get reliable results within the time frame available for decision making.