We deliver robust research and evaluation, tailored to answer the questions that are important to you.

Winners of the 2024 British Psychological Society Excellence in Research Award.

We are experienced researchers partnering with government, charities, and other organisations to help you deliver robust evaluation in order to determine what works best and why, for whom and under what circumstances.

We can also provide you with sound research advice and solutions that suit your needs.

Some of our recent projects include:

Rapid Evidence Assessments on the effectiveness of interventions for victims of crime
For the Ministry of Justice we have recently synthesised the latest research on the effectiveness of CBT and peer-led interventions for victims of crime. These findings will inform future decision-making around victim support service delivery, and will inform service commissioning, design and delivery to get better outcomes within the criminal justice system.
Prototyping research in an English prison
In partnership with the Ministry of Justice Evaluation and Prototyping Hub, we tested an innovation with the operational frontline of a prison – a ‘prototyping approach’ to problem-solving. We evaluated how this can improve local problem-solving ability, develop day-to-day practice, and get changes to stick. The findings suggested that there is demand for a prototyping approach in a local prison, that it shows promise in improving problem-solving and processes in prison, and it has the potential to scale to other prisons.
Rapid Evidence Assessments on the risk and needs of, and the effectiveness of interventions for children in the Youth Custody Service
For the Youth Justice Service, we have recently conducted two REAs. The first brings together the best quality evidence regarding the criminogenic risk and need, responsivity, and protective factors of children who commit crime. The second focuses on the effectiveness of interventions delivered to children who commit crime. Both of these REAs will help direct future practice within the Youth Custody Service.
Research examining the role of Approved Premises (hostels) in successful reintegration
A mixed method case study research project for HM Inspectorate of Probation, which helped to develop understanding of the Approved Premises (hostel) environment, and the barriers and enablers to the safe integration of residents from APs into local communities. The research enabled the development of a preliminary theory of change to identify the pathways and processes through which APs can bring about change.

Research Methods

We have a substantial record of conducting and publishing high quality research using a range of research methods. We can provide large- and smaller-scale research, impact and process evaluations of interventions, in-depth qualitative and case study research of complex phenomena, systematic reviews, rapid evidence assessments and shorter, quicker, evidence reviews to synthesise and make sense of the existing evidence base, as well as studies to develop and test psychometric measures/scales.

READ OUR PUBLICATIONS

Research Advice

We also offer research advice, including how to develop a Theory of Change, setting up quality assurance and monitoring processes for interventions or new initiatives, designing research, and developing evidence and evaluation strategies. In designing, conducting and writing up our research we follow the British Psychological Society’s Code of Ethics and Conduct and the Code of Human Research Ethics.

Find out more about us

We specialise in applying knowledge to action. We pride ourselves on communicating research in an accessible way, translating complex findings and limitations into practical and useable conclusions and recommendations, that can helpfully inform practice and/or policy decisions.

Evaluations
Do you want to know if something works? We are experts in experimental (randomised controlled trials; RCTs) and quasi-experimental impact evaluations, as well as mixed-methods research, and process evaluations.

Increasing procedural injustice practice in complaints handling

An evaluation of a brief intervention to reduce reoffending among women serving short sentences

People in prisons’ perceptions of procedural justice in England and Wales

Evaluating ‘Rehabilitative Adjudications’ in four English prisons
In-depth case studies of organisations
Do you want to understand what’s driving a problem, what makes an effective solution, or how to facilitate change in an organisation? We have conducted a number of in-depth case studies that explore the causes of, and best interventions for, different issues in organisations.

Understanding culture change

Exploring substance use in prisons: A case study approach in five closed male English prisons
Systematic reviews, rapid evidence assessments and brief evidence reviews
Do you want to know what the latest and best research tells you about a topic? We can provide more informal, brief accounts, and more in-depth, systematic reviews, of an evidence base.

What works to change identity? A rapid evidence assessment of interventions

What doesn’t work to reduce reoffending? A review of reviews of ineffective interventions for adults convicted of crimes

Engagement and Co-production with people with lived experience of prison and probation: A synthesis of the evidence base
Want to see more examples of our work?

Our publications page lists all of our published work.

Qualitative research
Do you want to understand people’s experiences, perspectives, or to give people a voice? We are proficient in using a range of qualitative research methods including thematic analysis, content analysis, interpretative phenomenological analysis, and thematic synthesis.

The experience of prison recall in England and Wales

Relapses and challenges of desistance: Hearing the voices of men convicted of sexual offences on release from prison

The personal impact of delivering a one-to-one treatment with sexual offenders: Therapists’ experiences
Participatory action research
Do you want others to be part of the research team, to identify and test solutions as you go along? We have conducted a number of participatory action research projects, which use staff and other’s expertise to help understand and test responses to an issue.

Body worn video camera (BWVC) pilot evaluation
Psychometric assessment development and validation
Do you want to be able to quantify a problem, screen for an issue, or measure change in an outcome over time? We are experts in developing and validating psychometric measures which can do just that.

Development and validation of a screening assessment of psychosocial maturity for adult males convicted of crime

An examination of the predictive validity of the Risk Matrix 2000 in England and Wales

The relationship between psychometric test scores and reconviction in sexual offenders undertaking treatment