Policy research and evaluation

Why Our Life does it
We take pride in our strong, evidence based approach. That's why we collect robust and accessible evidence and information to support our work.

We undertake empirical research and apply this to policy development in support of public opinion and work with people who want to achieve change.

Our Life's ability
We have a strong track record in conducting empirical research using both quantitative and qualitative methods. We believe strongly in designing fit for purpose research methodologies that maximise impact for our clients.

We can produce policy analyses and develop policy and model consultation responses to enable our clients and citizens to achieve greater impact.

We evaluate all of our work on a number of levels to demonstrate impact and value to clients and to local communities, including measuring wellbeing and social value.

Our Life's track record
Our Life's research has been recognised as highly valuable by its stakeholders across the North West and has also been picked up nationally as innovative and leading of the agenda for better health.

Several pieces of research have been undertaken to support and inform local strategy and practice. These include our 2011 Community Engagement Survey, a snapshot of engagement work in the UK and thoughts from both commissioners and practitioners on community engagement now and in the future; Supermarket Scandal, our report on the sale and promotion of cheap alcohol by supermarkets in the North West; Research into how a minimum unit price might be implemented locally, a review of the legal options; Impacts of Minimum Unit Pricing, our briefing paper looking into the effects of a minimum price per unit of alcohol and how the on-trade and off-trade would be affected if the 50p minimum price per unit was implemented; and Next Steps in Alcohol Regulation, our briefing paper on the legality of a minimum price per unit of alcohol; Reaching Out, the result of a collaborative survey between Our Life, NHS North West and Pfizer UK to develop a deeper understanding of those individuals who are less likely to engage with the healthcare system in the North West.

We are presently developing our methodology to enable Our Life and our clients to measure the social value of engagement and empowerment projects; and we are presently working on a number of other projects, including: an audit of the approach to wellbeing and health within affordable housing sector, developing social value metrics to align with traditional cost benefit analysis.