06 Aug 2025
Research and evaluation
Independent research and evaluation for better policy and services
Our research and evaluation services generate robust evidence to shape effective services, workforce strategies, policies and programmes. We partner with public sector bodies, academic institutions and employers to deliver impartial insight that informs policy, strengthens workforce development and drives measurable improvement.
Understanding complex policy, service and workforce challenges
Organisations increasingly rely on evidence to inform policy, service delivery and workforce design, yet many face challenges such as:
- Limited insight into workforce trends, labour markets and emerging skills needs.
- Policies and programmes introduced without robust evaluation of the social, economic and operational impact.
- Large volumes of data but limited capacity to translate this into actionable insight.
- Difficulty understanding what works in practice across different organisations, systems and communities.
- The need to capture perspectives from practitioners, stakeholders and those with lived experience of services.
Research and evaluation grounded in sector expertise
We deliver independent research and evaluation that provides the evidence needed to inform policy, programmes and service improvement.
Our services include:
- Workforce research and labour market analysis to understand workforce supply, demand, recruitment and retention challenges.
- Programme and policy evaluation, assessing delivery, outcomes and impact across national, regional and local initiatives.
- Implementation and process evaluation, examining how programmes operate in practice and identifying opportunities for improvement
- Stakeholder and workforce insight, capturing the perspectives of practitioners, policymakers, employers, communities and people with lived experience.
- Community and place-based research, exploring local drivers of service demand and workforce challenges.
- Impact and social value evaluation, including theory of change development, impact mapping and Social Return on Investment analysis.
How we work with you
Our work often spans national policy, system-level delivery and frontline workforce experience, incorporating perspectives from practitioners, stakeholders and people with lived experience of services.
Our work is guided by clear principles:
- Client-centred design and effective partnership work to shape research that addresses policy, workforce and service challenges.
- Applying rigorous and proportionate methods, using best-practice analytical techniques to generate robust evidence and actionable insight.
- Adhering to the highest ethical standards, guided by Government Social Research professional guidance and Social Research Association protocols to protect the rights, dignity and wellbeing of participants.
- Ensuring findings are communicated in accessible ways so policymakers, commissioners and service leaders can translate evidence into action.
“Once again, the joint work has been very valuable, timely and relevant, and we are optimistic that it will contribute to improving the lives of people in the region. People 1st International’s conviction, experience and knowledge in upskilling and reskilling solutions aligned with job and business opportunities adds value. And the professional and human level of its team makes it very pleasant to work together.”
Graciana Rucci, Lead Specialist Labor Markets Division, InterAmerican Development Bank
Why partner with us?
- Extensive research expertise: Over 30 years’ combined experience applying advanced analytical methods across the UK and internationally.
- Deep sector insight and employer engagement: Developed through our long-standing role as sector bodies across health, justice and tourism, publishing research that informs workforce policy and development.
- Trusted national and international research partner: Supporting major organisations including the NHS, Ministry of Justice, UK Research and Innovation, and international institutions such as the Inter-American Development Bank
- Academic and methodological rigour: Researchers qualified to postgraduate level, regularly publishing in peer-reviewed journals, industry publications and national policy reports.
- Recognised policy influence: Research cited in parliamentary debate, influencing legislation and informing national and regional workforce strategies.
- Not-for-profit ethos: Delivering high-quality research focused on public value rather than commercial return.
Trusted across sectors
Through our brands we have supported organisations including
Cancer Research UK
Inter-American Development Bank (IDB)
Movember
Welsh Government
Youth Justice Board
NHS England
Case study: Evidence-based evaluation driving national change
We evaluated the DRIVE Domestic Abuse Perpetrator Programme across Bristol, South Gloucestershire, and North Somerset – assessing its impact on reducing reoffending and addressing complex behaviours. Our cost-benefit analysis informed Avon and Somerset Police’s future delivery and provided evidence for national policy. This evaluation supported the UK Government’s £53 million investment to expand DRIVE nationally, reinforcing its commitment to early intervention, perpetrator accountability, and victim protection. Our work shows how rigorous evaluation drives strategic investment, strengthens public protection, and supports scalable, sustainable solutions for safer communities.
Case study: Helping London Violence Reduction Unit understand the impact of knife crime
As part of a wider study on violence, we worked with the London Violence Reduction Unit (VRU) to better understand the impact of violent knife crime across the city of London. In partnership with the University of Nottingham, Get the Data and others, we analysed data from a wide range of sources to provide actionable insights for violence prevention.
Case study: Recovery model for youth employment in Honduras
We were commissioned by the Inter-American Development Bank to rapidly assess Honduras’ post-COVID labour market and develop a demand-driven strategy to improve youth employment. The work analysed priority growth sectors, reviewed existing TVET provision, and produced policy recommendations focus on strengthening skills funding and aligning with training and employer needs. The resulting sustainability strategy supports Honduras in building a response TVET system, strengthening public-private partnerships, improving youth resilience, and enabling businesses to recruit, retain and upskill their workforce for economic recovery and long-term growth.
Find out more
Get in touch with us to learn more about our research services.