For almost 30 years tranquillity has been recognised as a significant asset of our landscape, now embedded in the National Planning Policy Framework and used in planning decisions. However, in the 20 years since CPRE and Natural England reviewed this map, much has changed: the digital revolution; greater environmental awareness, economic squeeze, COVID, working from home, and so on. So, do we value tranquillity differently today? We relished the challenge, designing an innova

The Danish Job Rotation (JR) model centres on temporarily removing from the workplace and providing training for low skilled workers, whilst simultaneously providing in-work experience and vocational training for unemployed people who act as de facto substitutes. In September 2024, WMCA commissioned us to conduct an independent process and impact evaluation of the Job Rotation Pilot in the Coventry area, up to its conclusion at the end of March 2025. The evaluation sought to

A connected place uses technologies such as a system of sensors, networks and applications to collect data to improve its operation. These technologies also help to develop public spaces by allowing managers of connected places to understand and evaluate changing demands and needs in infrastructure. In 2023, DSIT commissioned us to explore and understand public knowledge, attitudes and confidence levels relating to connected places technologies. Our work involved exploring pu

In 2022, DSIT commissioned us to undertake a process evaluation  and (subsequently in 2023) an impact evaluation  of its flagship UK Cyber Essentials scheme. The process evaluation explored whether the current Cyber Essentials implementation approach was working, and if the scheme was meeting its objectives. The research identified the most common drivers for organisations to adopt Cyber Essentials, the cost and time involved in Cyber Essentials certification (and how this va

This study sought to identify and analyse the experiences of consumer groups at higher risk of digital disadvantage, including those without internet access, renters or in precarious housing, individuals with limited English proficiency, and those without broadband at home. Through this research, we explored the lived experiences of digital disadvantage, how these experiences can lead to poor outcomes, and evaluated the effectiveness of existing digital services and policies

Defra was launching a new tree planting scheme, the England Woodland Creation Offer (EWCO) and needed to understand farmers’ awareness and responses to the scheme, as well as the broader context of their attitudes towards tree planting. Through secondary, qualitative and quantitative research, we used the COM-B model to build a sophisticated, holistic model of the factors influencing tree planting activity on farms in England: We analysed responses to Defra’s England Tree Str

The DfT commissioned Pye Tait Consulting to undertake a review of the street works training and qualifications regime. This regime comprises the system for awarding qualifications to street works operatives and supervisors, to be able to qualify and register for a street works card for use onsite. The aim of the research was to undertake a comprehensive review of the current street works qualifications regime in England, Scotland and Wales, with a view to future reform in Eng

Since 2012, we have delivered numerous commissions for the Building Standards Division of the Scottish Government, which is responsible for protecting the public interest by overseeing the delivery of safe and compliant buildings in Scotland. Our early research focused on developing and reviewing Key Performance Outcomes used by local authority building standards verifiers, evaluating verifiers’ performance, designing, running and reporting on eight waves of annual customer s