The PSC service: research-insights

Research & Insights

Turning complex questions into clear, actionable insights that improve public services

Research & Insights

WHAT WE DO

Our Services

Mixed methods research

We combine qualitative and quantitative techniques to build a complete and credible evidence base – particularly where data is incomplete or fragmented. This includes blending interviews, surveys, expert input and innovative approaches such as web scraping to triangulate findings and move from partial evidence to clear, actionable insight.

Lived experience and co-production

We embed lived experience at the heart of research and design, working with the most seldom-heard communities in a trauma-informed and respectful way. This approach helps uncover needs and barriers that are often invisible to professionals alone – leading to more responsive, trusted and effective services.

Economic modelling and value chain simulation

We use economic and simulation modelling to understand how systems behave – particularly where data is limited or uncertainty is high. Our value chain-based approach models how different actors interact, enabling organisations to test scenarios, quantify economic and social impacts, and make more robust decisions in complex, fast-moving environments.

Synthetic user research

We use AI-powered methods to scale and accelerate insight – transforming qualitative research into structured, reusable intelligence. By generating synthetic “representatives” grounded in real user data, we enable faster analysis, more balanced perspectives and more scalable testing of ideas, while maintaining a strong link to real-world evidence.

Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) 

We support health organisations to run structured, longitudinal engagement with their local populations. Our approach is trauma-informed and inclusive, and we achieve the results of more user-friendly and community-tailored services.

WHERE WE WORK

Supporting policy, strategy and delivery across government, regulators and public services

Across policy, regulation and public services

We work with central government, regulators and arm’s-length bodies, supporting policy development, regulation and service design.

Our experience includes departments such as the Department for Business and Trade and the Cabinet Office, as well as regulators including Ofcom and the ICO.

Across key domains

Our work spans a range of complex and evolving areas, including AI and emerging technologies, smart data, regulatory innovation, workplace and labour markets, and the experiences of disabled and ethnically minoritised communities.

Case Studies & Insights

Understanding Consumer Perspectives on Smart Data Use Cases

Understanding Consumer Perspectives on Smart Data Use Cases

The PSC has launched the nation's first survey to understand consumers perspectives on…

New report: Understanding the costs and benefits of Smart Data use cases

New report: Understanding the costs and benefits of Smart Data use cases

Commissioned by the Department for Business and Trade, our new report on the potential…

Synthetic User Research: Scaling Insight with Generative AI

Synthetic User Research: Scaling Insight with Generative AI

From hours of interviews to instant insight - how Generative AI is transforming…

See All

Our Research & Insights Experts

Burns

Katie Burns

Partner

Xu

Shuying Xu

Senior Manager

Jamieson

Fiona Jamieson

Senior Manager

Myers

Josh Myers

Manager

Get in touch

Let's work together.

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