Policy analysis and evaluation
Research, analysis and policy evaluation for private- and public-sector organisations
The ADAS Policy and Economics team brings together specialist knowledge in environmental and agricultural economics, social science, policy evaluation and natural capital.
We deliver high-value, complex, multidisciplinary research and analysis for government and private businesses. Our work includes economic and social science research to support cost-benefit assessments, forecasting and impact evaluations.
Central to our social science work is evidence-gathering. This involves reviewing published literature and datasets, alongside collecting data through surveys, interviews, workshops and innovative mixed-method techniques.
Mechanisms for measuring, modelling and quantifying natural capital are also core to our business. From baselining for accounting through to design and implementation phases, we can provide advice to help enhance the resilience of a client’s value chains.
Service lead
Kath Behrendt
Principal Environmental Economist – ADAS Sustainable Agricultural Systems
Policy evaluation
A focus of our work is evaluating policy interventions covering topics, such as agri-environment schemes, climate change, animal health, sustainable intensification and the competitiveness of agriculture. We will work with other ADAS scientists, including ecologists, environmental impact experts, and agri-food industry specialists, to provide a comprehensive study.
Evaluations and assessments we offer
- Process and impact evaluation
- Theory-based evaluation
- Value for Money (VfM) assessments
- Monitoring and evaluation and option feasibility assessments
- Business case development (including feasibility assessment)
- Regulatory impact assessments
Quantitative and qualitative analysis
To gather evidence, we examine published literature and datasets, as well as conduct our own primary research and stakeholder consultations in the form of
- surveys (web-based, telephone, and face-to-face)
- interviews
- workshops
- focus groups.
Trusted by experience
We work closely in partnership with our clients to ensure our research answers their questions. Our staff are highly skilled at conducting objective, statistically robust analysis. We use established evaluation methodologies and frameworks.
We hold membership of professional research bodies, including the UK Evaluation Society, the Agricultural Economics Society and the Market Research Society.