Ipsos: Putting people and place at the heart of policy

What we do

At Ipsos, we generate actionable insights from complex data to drive informed policy choices, create meaningful solutions, and enable evidence-based policymaking. We collaborate with government and public sector clients to develop pragmatic policies, improve delivery, and measure success. 

As a leader in policy research, evaluation and strategy, Ipsos offers comprehensive solutions designed to bridge the gap between government and the public. These are underpinned by rigorous research and analysis that fuels policy development and delivery. 

Our team includes 300 experts in policy, evaluation, and research, each dedicated to a policy area. As a result, we can bring extensive knowledge on diverse topics such as clean energy and the net zero transition, combating violence against women and girls, technology and innovation, and addressing homelessness. Our team works with a range of clients including UK government departments, Welsh Government, Scottish Government, Northern Ireland Executive, and public and third sector bodies such as the Climate Change Committee, Covid Inquiry, Health Foundation, British Council and Citizens Advice.

How we do it

High quality research. We’re trusted experts in generating insights about citizens, consumers, employees and stakeholders, using a range of traditional and cutting-edge methods:

• Surveys - high quality online, telephone, and face-to-face surveys.
• Qualitative research - in-depth interviews and focus groups, deliberative methods and public dialogues.
• Ethnography - in-home and place-based observation using film, digital, participatory approaches and personal diaries to understand lived experience. 
• Passive measurement - analysis of online behaviour and social media conversations. 
   

We combine the findings we generate with secondary data sources (including evidence reviews) adding valuable context by taking account of demography and geography in our analysis and recommendations.

Innovative policy solutions. We work with public policymakers to shape impactful and actionable policies. Building on our deep technical policy knowledge, real-world experience in policymaking and an engaging approach, we develop implementable policies based on the best available evidence and insight through a range of approaches:  

• Theories of Change to outline the pathways towards achieving policy outcomes. 
• Horizon scanning to identify emerging trends and potential disruptors that inform strategic foresight.
• System mapping to visualise complex interdependencies and see the bigger picture. 
• Application of behavioural science models and techniques to deliver sustainable change.
• Co-creation, engagement and implementation planning to bridge the gap between policy and delivery. 
   

Trusted evaluation services. We deliver evaluations and advice about Government’s most critical and complex policies. Our breadth of experience means that we can tailor our approach to client needs and adapt and respond rapidly when these change. We have extensive experience and expertise in:

• Theory-based approaches for process and impact evaluations including participatory and developmental methods.
• Randomised control trials and quasi-experimental evaluation approaches such as difference-in-difference.
• Economic and value for money approaches and econometrics.
   

Why we do it 

At Ipsos, we are passionate about making a difference by influencing and improving the quality of policy development and delivery:

• We conducted a Citizens’ Panel for the Climate Change Committee to craft an accessible, affordable household vision for achieving net zero, helping to shape recommendations for the Seventh Carbon Budget.
• Our behavioural research for DCMS on barriers and enablers of library engagement among non-users provided critical insights for DCMS and local authorities.
• We delivered a deliberative consultation exercise across London for NHS England, engaging the public and staff to explore future primary care services, guiding participants to generate actionable policy and ideas for service enhancements.
• Our systematic literature review and Theory of Change for DCMS supported strategic engagement across government.
• We delivered research for MHCLG on electoral integrity including voter ID and accessibility at polling stations, informing a white paper and subsequent legislation.
• Our evaluation of an NHS lung cancer screening pilot informed its national rollout plan, refining the design and delivery of screening interventions.
• We evaluated domestic energy efficiency programmes including the Green Homes Grant and delivered a synthesis for DESNZ to inform future schemes.
• Our analysis of international case studies for GambleAware informed Parliamentary debates and contributed to UK policy considerations. 
   

We also deliver Social Value in projects for our clients and are committed to a UK and global ESG programme to ensure we're really making a difference.

Working with us

Client First is a core company value - we put clients' needs at the forefront of all our work. Known for quality, we deliver challenging, complex projects to the highest, industry-leading, ISO-accredited, standards. And we use the latest technology including our own, bespoke, artificial intelligence, while always keeping human expertise in the loop.
 
We are a supplier on the Management Consultancy Framework 4 and Research & Insights marketplace (covering social, economic, market research and behavioural insights). 

If you're interested in finding out more about Ipsos and how we can work together, please contact - Trinh Tu, Managing Director, Public Affairs (Trinh.Tu@ipsos.com).