Research and Policy

At CAG Consultants, we recognise that sound decision-making requires high-quality evidence. Providing exceptional research services is integral to our mission.

Research

Our expertise

We specialise in developing research to understand complex policies and programmes. Our team is adept at both qualitative and quantitative techniques combined with clear-headed analysis ensuring we can tailor our approach to meet your unique research needs. Our aim is to provide clear evidence that tells the story behind the data, helping you make informed decisions.

Comprehensive research services

CAG’s research services are extensive and adaptable. Our experienced team of research experts can draw on a wide range of methods and techniques to suit your project, including:

  • Theory-Based Evaluation Research and Design: We design evaluations that link theory to practical outcomes, ensuring that your programmes are effectively assessed.
  • Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Research Design: We offer a full spectrum of research designs, combining methodologies to provide comprehensive insights.
  • Qualitative Interviews: Our team conducts in-depth interviews to gather detailed qualitative data.
  • Quantitative Surveys: We design and administer surveys to collect robust quantitative data.
  • Literature Reviews: We perform thorough reviews of existing literature to inform your research and provide context.
  • Focus Groups: We facilitate focus groups to gather diverse perspectives and qualitative data.
  • Data Analysis: Our team excels at analysing data to uncover trends and insights.
  • Advanced Analysis Techniques: We employ sophisticated methods such as contribution tracing, qualitative comparative analysis, realist analysis, and synthesis to deliver nuanced and detailed findings.

We are capable of conducting research with diverse community groups and across a variety of topics, including those that cover sensitive themes.

Our Team

At CAG, we work closely with you to find the best research methods to meet your needs. Whether you’re looking to evaluate a new policy, understand a complex issue, or gather data to support decision-making, our team is here to help.

CAG has a well-established team of highly experienced social researchers. Our experts are members of the Evaluation Society, the Social Research Association and the Market Research Society, ensuring that our work meets the highest professional standards.

See our research and policy case studies: 

Supporting the Scottish Communities Climate Action Network & Transition Network Hub

Internal Drainage Boards – review of membership and governance

Evaluation of second Climate Change Agreements scheme

Policy and strategy

See our policy and strategy case studies

Review of local approaches to surface water flood risk management

New report highlights potential of mine energy in achieving UK net zero target

Barking and Dagenham Green Economy Review

At CAG Consultants, we pride ourselves on providing impartial, evidence-based policy advice and strategy support across a wide array of specialist subject areas.

Our expertise

Our expertise spans critical fields such as energy, climate change, air quality, the green economy, sustainable development, and regeneration. We are dedicated to helping our clients develop and implement policies that truly make a difference.

Our policy and strategy services

We offer a comprehensive range of services designed to support strategy development, policy-making and implementation:

  • Ad-Hoc specialist input: We provide flexible, ad-hoc input on a variety of specialist subjects to meet the immediate needs of our clients. Whether it’s a pressing policy issue or a need for expert opinion, our team is ready to assist.
  • Stakeholder engagement: Our team excels in designing and facilitating policy workshops and stakeholder engagement processes. We bring together diverse voices to inform and shape policy development, ensuring that all relevant perspectives are considered.
  • Policy research: CAG conducts rigorous quantitative and qualitative research to build a solid evidence base on key issues. Our research helps clients identify policy needs and make informed decisions.
  • Strategy and action plan development: We assist in crafting detailed strategies and action plans, guiding clients through the steps necessary to achieve their policy goals.
  • Policy and programme development: Our services include identifying and appraising programme options, writing programme specifications, and supporting funding applications for new initiatives. We ensure that programmes are well-designed and ready for implementation.
  • Peer-learning Events: We organise peer-learning events that foster the exchange of common challenges and best practices among stakeholders. These events are invaluable for continuous improvement and innovation in policy development.
  • Policy and programme evaluation: Our evaluation services [add hyperlink to the evaluation section] provide critical insights into the effectiveness of existing policies and programmes, helping clients to refine and improve their approaches.

Our commitment

Our commitment is to help our clients develop policy that matters. We aim to deliver tailored, high-quality advice that supports effective policy making and implementation. By leveraging our expertise and experience, we strive to make a positive impact on society through better policy development.

“We can draw together current knowledge, deploy participatory approaches to gather perspectives and summarise the empirical evidence, in order to make robust and practical recommendations.”