NatCen Social Research

Our expertise
Research is powerful in shaping policy decisions at all levels. Find out about our policy and methodological expertise by exploring the different areas below.
Who we work with
Our clients include government, think tanks, charities, businesses, universities and other research organisations.

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- Our policy expertise
  
  Children and Families
  
  Our aim is to make a significant contribution to public understanding of key contemporary issues for children and families including early years and parenting, education and mental health, against a backdrop of significant challenges for children and young people.
  
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- Our policy expertise
  
  Communities, Work and Income
  
  Our work includes research and evaluation projects across a broad set of policy areas including jobs and skills, welfare, equalities, housing, communities and civil society. The research we undertake speaks to fundamental questions that are key to enabling all of us to live happy, fulfilled lives as well as to supporting a healthy, well-functioning society.
  
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- Our policy expertise
  
  Crime and Justice
  
  Our work explores drivers of offending and experiences of prison and probation as well as the impact of crime on victims and communities. We have a particularly strong track record of research with victims and perpetrators of violence and abuse as well as extremism and radicalisation.
  
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- Our policy expertise
  
  Health and Social Care
  
  Our work includes research and evaluation projects across a broad set of policy areas in the health and social care sector, with a particular focus on service evaluation and innovation, as well as complex challenges including: system integration; multi-morbidity; ageing; disability and employment; addiction; and mental health.
  
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Sharing what we know
We're a leading provider of social research training in the UK. All our courses are delivered by practising researchers, so whether you're starting out or a seasoned practitioner, we can help you build your skills and knowledge. Courses are run in partnership with the Social Research Association.

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Get in touch
For more information, contact our New Business team at 0207 549 9584 or fill in our contact form.
- Our methods expertise
  
  Surveys
  
  We have a longstanding reputation for conducting complex, robust surveys. And we carry out our own research into best practice so we can improve the surveys we conduct for you.
  
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- Our methods expertise
  
  Cognitive testing
  
  Cognitive testing improves data collection tools, like questionnaires and diaries. This avoids problems that can result in measurement error, ensuring we produce the best quality data.
  
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- Our methods expertise
  
  Data analysis
  
  Our analysts have high-level data manipulation and statistical skills, drawing on methods ranging from summary tabulations to multivariate techniques.
  
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- Our methods expertise
  
  Qualitative
  
  We use depth interviews, focus groups and observational and deliberative methods to present the social world in all its richness and complexity.
  
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- Our methods expertise
  
  Evaluations
  
  Understanding what works, and why, is central to effective policy making - so evaluation research has a critical role to play.
  
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Society Watch
What is life like for people in Britain as we move into the 2020s? Our first Social Trends briefing, Progress and Popularity: Facing the Disillusioned in a New Decade, draws on the full range of social research and offers an exclusive window into life in Britain as we enter the 2020s.

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Unresolved Public Policy Challenges
As we move into the 2020s, what are the key unresolved public policy challenges facing society?

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