What we do
Commissioned research, insight and evaluation
Independent research, consultation and evaluation that clarifies what matters, tests assumptions and supports confident decisions.
The offer
Independent support shaped around the question, context and intended use.
When an organisation needs more than anecdote or an internally shaped view, The Innovation Office designs proportionate research that produces credible evidence and practical direction. The work can stand alone as a focused commission or form the evidence base for strategy, service development, membership growth or impact.
When this helps
Useful when you need clarity, momentum or an independent view.
- You need an independent view of a question, programme or opportunity
- Different stakeholders hold competing assumptions or priorities
- A board, funder or leadership team needs credible evidence for a decision
- Existing evidence is fragmented, dated or difficult to interpret
- You need to understand outcomes, contribution and lessons from delivery
Ways we can help
A flexible scope, assembled around what the work needs.
Stakeholder interviews, focus groups and consultation
Surveys, segmentation and mixed-method research
Programme and service evaluation
Member, audience and beneficiary research
Analysis, synthesis and decision-focused reporting
Likely outcomes
Designed to leave something useful behind.
- A clearer account of needs, experiences and opportunities
- Reliable findings that can withstand scrutiny
- Practical recommendations linked to evidence
- A usable evidence base for decisions, investment or further development
- Outputs adapted for boards, funders, partners or public audiences
Delivery formats
Different ways to work together.
- End-to-end commissioned research
- Focused evaluation or review
- Independent research design and quality assurance
- Facilitated sense-making workshops
- Reports, briefings, presentations and useful digital outputs
Relevant experience
Credibility across research, evaluation and delivery.
- Evaluation specialist and former Director of the UK Evaluation Society
- Commissioned membership and stakeholder research for professional and purpose-led organisations
- Senior university experience spanning research, knowledge exchange and organisational decision-making
Start with the need