Research

Academic Partnerships

Collaborate with academics on research projects, publications and funding applications
Support academics to achieve, and evaluate, research impact on local and regional policymaking and governance
Contribute to local government expertise within universities through guest lectures, participation in research supervision and conference presentations
Evaluate the impact of our role in forming these relationships

Partnerships with universities to co-design and deliver research projects that relate to our expertise. Working with academics to co-author peer-reviewed publications and to jointly bid for funding.
Explore the benefits that research-informed expertise can bring to local government. Enable these two sectors to better understand one another, turning theory into practice. Evaluate the impact of our role in forming these relationships.
Share our expertise in local government, which is unique and informed by real-life experience of working with councils, combined authorities, parliament and government. Provide expertise through guest lectures, conference presentations and support the supervision of PhD students working in our area.

Ensure all research activities adhere to the highest ethical standards, with a focus on safeguarding, equity, and fair power distribution among stakeholders
Implement robust processes to protect sensitive data and maintain confidentiality throughout the research process
Adopt research approaches that are inclusive of diverse voices, particularly those from underrepresented or marginalised communities, ensuring their perspectives are central to the research outcomes

Ensure that ethical considerations and equity guide our research
Apply our data protection and safeguarding policy and that confidentiality is maintained
Ensuring research practices are inclusive and fair

Develop and manage a comprehensive collection of materials, case studies, and best practices in governance and scrutiny, making them accessible to local authorities, public services, and other stakeholders
Facilitate the dissemination of research findings, toolkits, and guidelines that support better governance and scrutiny practices
Offer learning opportunities and workshops that help stakeholders apply best practices and improve their governance capabilities

Design and implement tailored evaluation frameworks aligned with CfGS’s Theory of Change, ensuring that the impact of governance and scrutiny initiatives is effectively captured
Use advanced qualitative and quantitative methods to generate actionable evidence that informs better decision-making and governance practices
Promote a culture of continuous learning by translating research findings into practical lessons for local authorities and public services

Address real-world challenges faced by local governments and public bodies
Actively involve elected representatives, citizens, and other stakeholders in every phase of research to ensure their voices shape the outcomes
Develop actionable insights and recommendations that can be directly applied to improve governance and public services

Deliver tailored diagnostics to identify governance and scrutiny challenges
Utilise qualitative research methods to inform actionable recommendations
Enhance decision-making and governance structures through evidence-based insights

Conduct comprehensive diagnostics, including qualitative interviews and focus groups, to identify strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities within governance and scrutiny frameworks
Leverage in-depth qualitative methods such as interviews, focus groups, and workshops to gather rich insights from stakeholders, including elected representatives, public officials, and community members
Develop bespoke, actionable recommendations based on diagnostic findings, aimed at improving governance structures, processes, and outcomes within organisations
Ensure that recommendations are informed by the perspectives and experiences of key stakeholders, leading to solutions that are both practical and effective
Create detailed improvement plans grounded in robust research, helping organisations to implement changes that lead to more effective, transparent, and accountable governance

Offer bespoke research services to inform policy and governance practices
Lead the conversation on governance and scrutiny at national and local levels
Collaborate with academic institutions and thought leaders
Provide reliable, expert guidance on legislative developments relating to governance and scrutiny, in devolved and local authority contexts
Enable public services to benefit from research-informed expertise

Provide tailored research services to meet the specific needs of local governments, public bodies, and other stakeholders, ensuring that research outputs are relevant and actionable
Produce insightful research that contributes to national and local debates on governance, public policy, and scrutiny, positioning CfGS as a leader in these fields
Collaborate with universities and research institutions to bring cutting-edge research methods and theoretical insights into practical governance applications