Tailored training

Our training - NatCen Learning

We provide bespoke training and research support to a range of central government departments, public and voluntary sector bodies, and academic units. Trainers share their extensive practical social research experience, offering insight into the most innovative methods and contemporary issues.

We offer a range of event formats including traditional taught courses, facilitated workshops and discursive knowledge exchange sessions. We place great value on peer learning and encourage delegates to share their own expertise and experiences as well as drawing on the knowledge of our tutors. Training and learning events most commonly involve small to medium sized groups of 10-15 participants, although they can range from large lecture-based events through to one-to-one or small group mentoring.

Subject areas

We offer comprehensive training in the following areas:

  • Contemporary issues in social research
  • Quantitative research
  • Qualitative research

Contemporary issues in social research
Our training in this area includes: basic literacy in social research techniques, designing and conducting mixed methods research; methods of research reviewing; understanding the role of research and analysis in the policy process; research ethics; designing social research with children and young people; evaluation techniques; communicating research to policy and practice; formulating policy recommendations; interpretation & understanding of research findings; and, understanding quality in social research.

Quantitative Research
Our expert survey researchers provide a range of training including: survey research design; sampling for surveys; understanding survey quality and survey findings; cognitive interviewing; questionnaire design; conducting self-completion surveys (postal, web based); statistical analysis for social research (including basic analysis and regression techniques). We can also offer specialist support and training in the design of impact studies, longitudinal and attitudinal survey research and evaluations of complex interventions.

Qualitative Research
Our qualitative research experts offer training in: models of qualitative research; qualitative research design (sampling, recruitment and design); qualitative tools and techniques for data collection (including: depth interviewing skills, moderating focus groups, observational techniques, telephone interviews , deliberative techniques , longitudinal research etc), qualitative data analysis; FrameWork software for data analysis, reporting issues in qualitative research, qualitative research with vulnerable participants, and qualitative techniques for impact and evaluation studies.

Prices will vary depending on location, duration and content of the event. For a quote and to discuss your requirements please contact Kandy Woodfield.