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What we doProblem-led services, grounded in evidence
We group our work into five practice pillars. Each one starts with a challenge our partners face. Find the one that sounds like yours.
Research and field studies: credible evidence from the field
“We need credible data and evidence from the field, but we don’t have the capacity or expertise to collect and analyse it ourselves.”
Many government departments, municipalities, NGOs and development agencies need primary data from the field, but lack the in-house capacity to design instruments, train fieldworkers, manage data quality and write up findings in a way that is both rigorous and accessible. This is where our academic grounding becomes a direct asset to you.
What we offer
- Commissioned field research: We design and carry out primary data collection in communities, institutions and workplaces, using surveys, interviews, focus groups and observation.
- Needs assessments and situational analyses: Before you design a programme, we help you understand the context, the stakeholders and the gaps.
- Literature reviews and evidence syntheses: We scan and synthesise existing research to inform your strategy or programme design.
- Policy briefs and research reports: We translate complex findings into clear, concise and actionable documents for decision-makers, funders and policymakers.
- Research design and instrument development: We help you design studies and develop questionnaires, interview guides and sampling frameworks.
How we work
We work with you to clarify the research question, design a methodology that fits your context and budget, obtain ethical clearance where required, collect and analyse data, and deliver a report or policy brief that is rigorous, accessible and actionable. We can also present findings to your board, funders or stakeholders.
Who this is for
Government departments, municipalities, public entities, NGOs, development agencies, universities and corporate foundations.
Monitoring and evaluation: know what works, and why
“We need to know whether our programme is working, how to improve it, and how to report to funders with confidence.”
Funders increasingly require credible M&E frameworks and independent evaluations. Our training in research methods and evidence-based practice means we can help you measure what matters, learn from it, and report with confidence.
What we offer
- M&E framework design: Theories of change, results chains, logical frameworks and indicator sets aligned with your programme goals and funder requirements.
- Data collection tools and systems: Questionnaires, interview guides and data management systems that are practical for your team to use.
- Mid-term and final evaluations: Independent process and outcome evaluations assessing relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, impact and sustainability.
- Impact assessments: Studies designed to measure the difference your programme has made.
- M&E capacity building: Training for your staff or partner organisations to run their own M&E systems, building local capacity rather than dependency.
- Reporting for funders: M&E reports that meet the standards of funders, boards and regulators.
How we work
We start by understanding your programme’s theory of change and your reporting obligations. We then design an M&E framework that is practical, ethical and proportionate to your resources. We can conduct the evaluation independently or work alongside your team to build their capacity. Our reports are clear, evidence-based and designed to support decision-making, not just compliance.
Who this is for
NGOs, development agencies, government departments, funders, corporate social investment (CSI) programmes and public entities.
Career development and talent: pathways that prepare people for work
“We need to design career pathways, graduate programmes or employability interventions that actually prepare people for work.”
Too many young people leave education without a clear route into meaningful work. We combine labour market evidence with sound learning design to help institutions and employers build pathways that work for graduates, employers and communities.
What we offer
- Career pathway research: Evidence on how people move into and through work in your sector, and where the barriers are.
- Employability curriculum design: Programmes and modules that build the skills and confidence employers look for.
- Career coaching frameworks: Structured, practical frameworks that coaches, mentors and advisors can use consistently.
- Graduate readiness assessments: Tools to measure how prepared learners are for the workplace, and what to strengthen.
- Labour market analysis: Insight into skills demand and opportunities to align your programmes with real jobs.
How we work
We begin with the evidence: who your learners are, what the labour market needs and where the gaps lie. We then co-design pathways, curricula or coaching frameworks with your team, pilot them where possible, and build in measures so you can see what difference they make.
Who this is for
Universities and TVET colleges, graduate programmes, corporate HR teams and public-sector skills development units.
Community engagement and learning: putting communities at the centre
“We need to consult communities meaningfully, build participatory learning initiatives, or make sure our work is community-centred.”
Programmes succeed when the people they serve help shape them. We design engagement that is respectful, inclusive and genuinely participatory, so that communities are partners in the work, not just its subjects.
What we offer
- Stakeholder mapping: Understanding who is affected, who has influence and whose voices need to be heard.
- Participatory action research: Research done with communities, so that learning and action happen together.
- Community consultation design: Consultation processes that are meaningful, culturally appropriate and well documented.
- Co-creation of learning materials: Resources developed with communities, in language and formats that work for them.
- Community workshop facilitation: Skilled, inclusive facilitation of community dialogues and workshops.
How we work
We start by listening to community members, leaders and your team. Together we map stakeholders and agree how people will take part. We then facilitate engagement ethically and inclusively, feed what we hear back to the community, and co-create practical next steps with you.
Who this is for
NGOs and community-based organisations, municipalities, development agencies, health and education programmes, and CSI initiatives.
Learning and development: capacity building you can measure
“Our staff or partners need capacity strengthening, and we need it to be evidence-based and measurable.”
Training only matters if it changes practice. We design learning that is grounded in evidence, relevant to the work your people actually do, and evaluated so you can see the return on your investment.
What we offer
- Training needs analysis: A clear picture of the skills gaps in your team or partner network, and what to prioritise.
- Blended learning programme design: Programmes that combine face-to-face, online and on-the-job learning.
- Reflective practice sessions: Facilitated sessions that help teams learn from their own experience and improve.
- Evaluation of L&D interventions: Measuring whether learning programmes are changing knowledge, practice and results.
How we work
We begin with a needs analysis so the programme targets real gaps. We then design the learning with your team, facilitate or support delivery, and evaluate the results, so you have evidence of what changed and what to do next.
Who this is for
Corporate HR and L&D teams, NGOs, public-sector departments, universities and development partners.
Not sure which pillar fits?
Many projects draw on more than one. Describe your challenge and we’ll suggest the right mix.