Research – Knowledge is key

Research is an integral part of all LOCUS assignments. The nature of such research includes for example:

• Desk based analysis of government policy and statistics to inform strategic development;
• Household surveys to inform a local community audit;
• Telephone and postal surveys to inform local needs / demand analysis;
• Internet based surveys to reach a large and disparate target audience;
• The facilitation of focus groups to enable group discussion and debate;
• One to one consultations.

Our research service is delivered in an objective and professional manner using qualified personnel. All primary research fi ndings are analysed using the widely recognised SPSS package and presented in a comprehensive and detailed report for clients. Such reports will always include a critical appraisal of the implications of the fi ndings for the client, by way of conclusions and recommendations, many of which have informed policy development and local regeneration decisions at a local and regional level.

Clients for whom we have conducted research include:

• Belfast City Council
• North Down Borough Council
• Ballymena Borough Council
• Castlereagh Borough Council
• Belfast Local Strategy partnership
• Derry Local Strategy Partnership
• North Belfast Partnership
• Cancer Lifeline
• Border Action
• DEL
• DSD