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Research & Surveys

Through research we seek understanding of complex social and economic issues. Whatever the initiative, initial research is fundamental because it ensures you proceed from an informed position.

Sound analysis, and an independent viewpoint, go to the very heart of the services that we provide to our clients. Research is both educational and informative. It provides the rationale for intervention and the confidence to proceed. Sometimes its results are the impetus for re-evaluation of an original hypothesis.

At ECOTEC our approach to research is to suggest the best mixture of tools and techniques to suit the demands of each particular piece of work. We take into account the amount and depth of analysis that our clients require as well as other factors such as previous relevant research, budget and time-constraints.

We have experience in a huge range of research techniques. However, we believe that research is an evolving field so we keep up-to-date with new developments and are always open to trying something new.

Our research services include:

  • base-line studies
  • economic analysis
  • bench-marking
  • understanding target groups
  • mapping provision of services
  • supply and demand analysis
  • community research
  • website evaluation
  • citizen's panels
  • surveys
  • focus groups and depth interviews
  • case study research

ECOTEC Survey is our full-service market-research agency. Established in 2000, we offer a range of research services for both consumer and business research, including:

  • Door-to-door interviewing
  • Street or 'location' interviews
  • Telephone interviewing
  • Postal and self-completion surveys
  • Hall tests
  • Mystery shopping
  • Customer panels
  • Focus Groups
  • In-depth interviews
  • On-line surveys

You can use our services directly or as a sub-contractor to your projects. We have a total 'fieldforce' of 600 trained survey workers, including interviewers from black and minority ethnic groups, also providing additional language capabilities.

Our specialist topic areas include: housing; regeneration and renewal; transport; employment, skills and training; leisure and entertainment; service provision and satisfaction surveys; local government reorganisation, communication and corporate priorities; baseline and evaluation studies.

For more information on our Research & Survey work in your policy or practice area, visit our themes pages or contact David Supple.

Service Portfolio: How effectively do Housing Associations meet BME housing needs?

We reviewed the most recent literature and a sample of inspection reports and analysed performance and lettings data, mapped current and changing BME locations and a undertook a series of stakeholder interviews.

 

Our research looked at

 

  • the representation of different BME groups in RSL accommodation
  • the differences that specialist BME RSLs offer and their effectiveness 
  • the community based services provided by RSLs
  • the extent to which housing-led interventions can support the movement of BME households into new areas
  • the extent of information sharing on BME housing issues and
  • the RSL role in meeting the needs of Gypsy & Traveller communities

 

Our work informed Housing Corporation future research and data collection priorities.

David.Supple@ecotec.com
+44 121 616 36 00


Other projects in this Portfolio