Our team combine empirical research skills with specialisms drawn from a range of disciplinary backgrounds, including social policy, human geography, psychology and social research. We apply novel multi-method approaches to address complex and challenging questions. Much of our research is undertaken to meet a demand from policymakers, practitioners and others for independent, policy-relevant research underpinned by academic rigour. We are influential in shaping public policy and practice, and our experts regularly provide advice to government departments, regulatory bodies and others. Our research findings are freely and publicly available for the benefit of all.