Research and Consultation

RNC's research and consultation services are underpinned by a deep knowledge of the not-for-profit sector and an appreciation of the vulnerabilities of those the sector supports.

Our research provides enriched qualitative and quantitative data to support decision-making and develop a robust evidence base for service delivery or change through mapping established provision, understanding delivery environments and user need.  

We can reach seldom-heard groups and establish trust through a shared understanding. We deliver both online and face-to-face consultation. Our consultation work may be delivered in traditional settings such as a client's base, arts and heritage and community venues and we have a successful track record of working in prisons, homeless shelters, rehab centres and on the street.

RNC ensures focus groups are accessible. We have delivered consultations using BSL, simultaneous translation, with palantypists and in different community languages.

As a consultancy with its origins in Wales, we have embedded the Wellbeing of Future Generations Act (Wales) in our research projects; RNC has worked directly with the Future Generations Commissioner's office.

Our experience includes:

C3SC, on behalf of the Cardiff and Vale Regional Partnership – we delivered focus groups for the council's Population Needs Assessment.

Stonewall Cymru – we delivered a consultation which explored the needs of the Trans and Non-Binary communities in Wales to support the charity plan for their next delivery phase.

Welsh Government – we were the lead delivery partner working with Social Care Wales, the Bevan Foundation and Helpforce Wales to develop a framework for volunteering in health and social care environments in Wales.

Save The Children – for the charity's Future of Childhood report, we carried out data analysis of interviews conducted with UK-wide professionals working in education, services, and policy.

Consultation and research can support partnership development, business planning and feasibility studies, broader organisational development, public affairs and demonstrate viability and secure investment. We use a breadth of approaches, including

  • Surveying and polling

  • Focus groups

  • Structured interviews

  • Data collation and analysis using our networks and techniques to reach beyond the data available in the public domain

  • Literature reviews

  • Modelling and mapping

Community consultation is a growing requirement of funders, local authorities, and service delivery agencies to ensure community views are reflected in services and their needs are met. In 2021 alone, we delivered over 65 focus groups facilitating engagement for Health Boards, national and local government, think tanks, the education sector and membership bodies.

We ensure 'hidden voices' are heard but protected in our consultation projects. Some RNC team members have lived experience across different protected characteristics.