Surveys and Focus Groups
We help you understand what people think, feel, and do, and what will realistically change behaviour.
We design and deliver surveys, focus groups and one-to-one interviews that are clear, inclusive, and genuinely useful. We use rigorous methods, careful fieldwork, and reporting that turns data into decisions.
Whether you’re planning a consultation, improving a service, testing messaging, or trying to understand why uptake is low, we’ll help you build a strong evidence base and translate it into action.
To get in touch, please either call us on 01928 242182 or complete a Free Online Enquiry for a no obligation discussion.
What we do
We start with the decision you need to make and the behaviours you want to change. Then we design the research approach that will give you the answers you need within your timescale and budget.
Our approach includes thoughtful questionnaire scripting and discussion guide design, a clear sampling approach, and sensible quota management where needed (so you hear from the right mix of people, not just the loudest voices).
We’re careful about neutral wording and framing, so the research doesn’t accidentally lead respondents or create “survey fatigue”.
We’re also upfront about limitations and considerations and what the findings can (and can’t) tell you, which is vital if you’re sharing results with stakeholders, funders, or the public.
Survey research (quantitative)
Surveys are ideal when you need breadth, a clear read on priorities, and evidence you can quantify. We design surveys that are easy to complete and analyse.
We can support with end-to-end delivery, including questionnaire scripting, survey logic and routing, piloting, fieldwork management, and practical steps to improve response quality. After fieldwork, we handle data cleaning, produce clear cross-tabulations, and can run significance testing where it’s appropriate (for example, comparing responses across age groups, neighbourhoods, customer types, or service users). If weighting is needed, we can advise on weighting (where appropriate) and explain it clearly in the write-up.
Outputs are written so they’re usable by busy teams, with charts that tell the story quickly and an executive summary that gets to the point.
Focus groups and interviews (qualitative)
Focus groups are ideal when you need depth: the “why” behind the numbers, the words people use, and the real-world context that shapes behaviour.
We plan and facilitate groups that feel welcoming and well-managed, whether they’re in-person or online. We’re experienced at handling mixed views, building trust in the room, and ensuring quieter participants are heard.
Afterwards, we conduct structured thematic analysis, pulling out patterns, points of friction, and the beliefs or practical barriers driving behaviour. We can include carefully selected verbatim excerpts (anonymous quotes) to bring findings to life and make them easier to share internally. The result is a clear narrative, not just pages of notes.
Mixed-methods (best of both)
Often, the strongest projects use mixed-methods: a survey to map the landscape and quantify priorities, followed by focus groups to explore motivations, language, and the reasons behind the patterns.
We also use triangulation where helpful, bringing together what people say in surveys, what emerges in qualitative sessions, and what you already know from service data or frontline experience. This makes the final recommendations more robust and easier to defend.
Common projects we support
We regularly support consultation and engagement, service and policy development, message and concept testing, diagnosing barriers to uptake, and evaluation planning. We’re also often brought in when teams need stakeholder-ready insight quickly and want an approach that’s credible, fair, and easy to communicate.
We can also supply a simple “what this means for…” section tailored to your audience (for example, service teams, comms, leadership, partners, or elected members), so the insight actually lands and gets used.
Quality, ethics, and inclusivity
We take governance and ethics seriously. We design research that’s respectful, accessible, and mindful of sensitive topics. We’ll align with your data-handling requirements and ensure participation is informed and voluntary, with clear consent and privacy wording.
We’ll also help you avoid common consultation pitfalls, like overly “salesy” framing, confusing eligibility, or questions that feel like a test instead of an invitation to share real experience.
To get in touch, please either call us on 01928 242182 or complete a Free Online Enquiry for a no obligation discussion.
Dominic Ridley-Moy FCIPR, Chart.PR, Dip CIPR
Behaviour Change Network founder
FAQs
1. What is the difference between surveys and focus groups?
Surveys collect structured, quantitative data from a larger number of people, helping you measure trends, priorities, and differences between groups. Focus groups are qualitative, designed to explore opinions, behaviours, and motivations in more depth through guided discussion. Most effective research combines both.
2. When should I use a survey instead of a focus group?
Use a survey when you need statistically reliable data, clear comparisons, or evidence to support decisions at scale. Surveys are ideal for consultation, benchmarking, and identifying patterns across large audiences.
3. When are focus groups the better option?
Focus groups are best when you need to understand why people think or behave a certain way. They help uncover language, emotions, barriers, and real-life context that surveys alone cannot capture.
4. What are mixed-methods research approaches?
Mixed-methods research combines quantitative (surveys) and qualitative (focus groups or interviews) approaches. This allows you to measure what is happening and understand why, leading to more robust and actionable insights.
5. How do you ensure survey results are accurate and unbiased?
Accuracy comes from careful questionnaire design, neutral wording, appropriate sampling, and clear data handling. Techniques such as piloting, quota management, and (where appropriate) weighting help ensure results reflect the intended audience.
6. What is survey fatigue and how can it be avoided?
Survey fatigue happens when respondents lose interest due to long or poorly designed surveys. It can be reduced by keeping surveys concise, using clear language, avoiding repetitive questions, and ensuring the survey feels relevant and easy to complete.
7. How do focus groups help improve services or messaging?
Focus groups provide insight into how people interpret services, communications, or policies. They reveal misunderstandings, emotional responses, and practical barriers, helping organisations refine messaging and improve user experience.
8. What does good research reporting look like?
Good research reporting is clear, concise, and decision-focused. It includes an executive summary, visual data (charts or tables), key findings, and practical recommendations tailored to the audience.
9. How long does a typical research project take?
Timelines vary depending on scope, but most projects take between 2 to 8 weeks. This includes design, fieldwork, analysis, and reporting. Faster turnaround is possible for smaller or urgent projects.
10. How can research findings be turned into action?
Findings should be translated into clear recommendations linked to business or policy decisions. A strong report will include “what this means for…” different stakeholders, ensuring insights are practical and usable.