Groundwork Research
Closing the gap between policy and practice
Groundwork Research is an independent public policy consultancy working at the intersection of policy, practice and place. We support better policymaking through research expertise, strategic collaboration and applied insight.
About Groundwork Research
Groundwork Research is on a mission to challenge the traditional policy-making model — where policy is created in isolation from the people who have to make it work.
We want policy to deliver real-world results. Too often, there is a gap between policy ambition and practical delivery. We exist to close that gap by bringing policymakers and frontline practitioners into the same conversation from the very start. Our focus is not just on finding solutions to complex problems, but on ensuring those solutions are deliverable and durable.
Groundwork combines hands-on experience with strong policy expertise. We have a proven track record of designing and implementing policy for public and private sector clients, giving us a clear understanding of what it takes to create change that lasts.
Our Services
Research and Policy
We produce high-quality research that informs and shapes public policy across all levels of government. Our work spans from central institutions to frontline delivery, combining academic rigour with practical insight. We help organisations understand complex challenges, evaluate policy options and develop evidence-based solutions that drive effective outcomes.
Strategic and Political Advisory
We provide strategic and political advisory services to help clients navigate complexity and influence decision-making. Our team brings together expertise from across the public and private sectors.
Regional and Local Government Insight
We are experts in local governance and devolution, with extensive experience working with councils and strategic authorities across England. Our trusted relationships across the sector enable us to guide organisations through transformational change. We help clients engage stakeholders, unlock opportunities and build influence where it matters most.
Service Review
We partner with public sector organisations to deliver in-depth diagnostic and service reviews. Our work covers system-wide assessments, targeted evaluations and strategic analysis. We identify opportunities for improvement, support transformation and provide evidence that underpins sustainable operational and policy decisions.
Polling
We offer specialist polling expertise for the public sector through our exclusive partnership with experts in public opinion, Convergent Opinion. We design and deliver robust, data-driven analysis. Our insights enable clients to understand public attitudes, make informed decisions, test ideas and develop strategies grounded in real-world perspectives.
Work With Groundwork Research
We work with organisations across the public and private sectors to turn complex policy challenges into practical, deliverable solutions. Our approach combines rigorous research, strategic insight and hands-on experience, ensuring every piece of work is grounded in the realities of implementation.
Whether supporting the development of new policy, reviewing existing services or providing strategic advice, we focus on outcomes that are achievable, sustainable and built for real-world impact. We understand the pressures organisations face and work collaboratively to deliver clarity, confidence and results.
From early-stage thinking through to delivery, we help clients navigate complexity, engage stakeholders and make informed decisions that stand up in practice.
Expertise
Our team combines policy expertise with real-world experience, helping organisations deliver solutions that work in practice.
Clients
We’re proud to work with organisations across government, academia and the private sector, supporting them to navigate complexity and deliver real-world impact.
