We have undertaken a variety of research and consultancy work since 1985 for a host of private, public and voluntary sector clients.

Research Methods

  • Fieldwork - interviewing, development groups, focus groups, workshops and consultation events. We have an enviable reputation for trust and empathy, rapidly building open and productive relationships with diverse research subjects.

  • Desk research – postal and electronic survey design, telephone survey, management and analysis and literature review.

We recently worked, as sub-contractors to our colleagues at Synergis, on the evaluation of a leading urban regeneration project in London combining field and desk research with focus groups.

Consultancy
Our consultancy work is extremely varied - from undertaking reviews of organisational performance and practice to advising on strategy.

Management of Training
We have been involved in the management of training for more years than seems suitable to mention. They say that "things are the ways they are because they got that way".
We have seen changes in approach that struggle to keep up with economic cycles, emerging technologies, shifts in the culture and attitudes of learners and clients. One thing is certain, that change is faster now than ever. We make it our business to keep ahead of the game in being aware of future trends and to plan for them before they hit us.

Standards development
We have been involved in developing and using occupational standards since their inception in the early 1990s.

Functional analysis forms the basis of sound standards which then describe the outcomes of competent performance and serve as a benchmark for assessment and identifying training needs. We take pride in the being able to get "under the skin" of workplace practice and identify the critical aspects of performance that constitute real competence and to express that competence in clear and unambiguous language.

By using such standards employers are well placed to target recruitment and training at those areas which are identified as being in need of strengthening to ensure that current and future challenges can be met.

Diversity of work
We delight in the diversity of our consultancy. Experience in one area lends opportunities to bring valuable ideas to another, keeps things fresh and keeps clients ahead of the game too, so building their credibility with learners and others.

The Net Works
We do know our limitations. Fortunately, we also know some great people in our network of practitioners who can be totally trusted to help out as needed with specific aspects of our work.