Evidence into policy and practice

Action to improve social outcomes depends on knowing what’s going on in the world. Only by using timely and robust evidence, in a flexible and targeted way, can organisations make informed choices and explain their rationale. We offer research to gather evidence, along with support to develop evidence-based policy and practice.

What we offer

OPM researchers and fellows offer:

• efficiency and social return on investment (SROI) reviews – to investigate how to make savings without sacrificing outcomes or harming the most vulnerable
• performance reviews – to highlight organisations’ current strengths and areas for development. Our methods include web-based surveys and semi-structured interviews
• rapid evidence assessments – quickly accessing the key findings from available literature in a way that combines academic rigour and credibility with focus and flexibility
• audits and benchmarking , such as case-study research and mapping exercises, to identify and draw upon best practice from across the public, private and third sectors to see how other organisations have responded to similar situations
• analytical capacity building – helping your staff, through tailored training and development, to gain the skills they need to gather and manipulate data to demonstrate impact
• recommendations and action plans that take account of a particular context and the implications for strategy and policy and are robust enough to withstand changes in the future
• good practice guidance and toolkits that ensure that the lessons learnt can be disseminated effectively and applied by managers and professionals
• video ethnography. Read more about our video ethnographic work.

Why choose OPM?

Our approach

Our research and policy team offers flexibility and experience. With a large research capacity, we can respond to a wide range of requirements quickly and effectively, meeting deadlines. We are flexible and we undertake everything from small, ‘quick and clean’ reviews to larger, multi-stage projects.

Our research is always tailored to fit your objectives and context. We have a well developed understanding of the political, organisational and social context of public services, and we keep this up to date by learning from others. Our team is always able to draw on the expertise of other OPM members.

We recognise the validity of both ‘hard’ and ‘soft’ data, including the views of stakeholders. We’re not afraid to tackle difficult or complex subjects and to build in the latest thinking in areas such as engaging hard-to-reach groups and ensuring equality.

The OPM way

OPM has worked to improve social results for more than 20 years. We understand public policy and service delivery and we have a wealth of public service experience. We listen carefully to your requirements, assemble a team with the most appropriate skills and then tailor our work to meet your objectives, timescales and budget.

Find out more

To find out more about our evidence-based policy and practice work, email Jon Gibson.