As a leading applied social policy research centre we combine rigorous research design and methods with practice wisdom to assist organisations to improve the quality and effectiveness of their services and influence social policy.

We work with governments and community organisations, business and philanthropy in the fields of employment, education, climate and energy equity, ageing and retirement and housing and place. We have expertise in understanding and assessing the impact of these issues for disadvantaged populations across the life course.

Our consultancy services include social research and evaluation.

Social research

We collect, distil and assess data that shed light on social issues, using approaches including:

  • environmental scans
  • needs assessment
  • interviews, surveys, focus groups, network analysis
  • primary and secondary data analysis
  • literature reviews
  • policy reviews and syntheses
  • formative evaluations
  • process evaluations
  • impact evaluations

Evaluation

We undertake evaluations of programs to identify what works for whom, how and why. These may include:

  • formative evaluations
  • process evaluations
  • impact evaluations

This work includes point-in-time and longitudinal research evaluations.

Our team

Our team of 40+ researchers has training in social policy, economics, sociology, youth studies, gerontology, education, evaluation, history, international development, anthropology, politics, law and psychology.

View the research and policy team profiles

Our resources

Our work is supported by the Brotherhood's specialist Social Policy Library and current awareness service known as Source.

Research and Policy Centre