This blog is the first in a series of short reflections on quantitative practice by Ciaran McDonald. The series starts by setting out what good quantitative evaluation looks like in practice, before exploring some of the areas where it can break down – including common pitfalls in survey design, how outcomes are translated into indicators, […]
Mapping mental health services for men
Learning from our recent work for York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority As we get into spring I wonder how many of us have been able to maintain our new year’s resolutions. Many people’s minds are drawn to self-improvement, 23% of those making promises to themselves intend to exercise more or get fit. As only around one fifth make resolutions and fewer still […]
The value of partnerships in criminal justice
Eight enablers for partnership working for Northumbria’s Violence Reduction Unit Partnership working is one of the most effective ways to address complicated challenges. Partnership or whole system approaches have long been used to address complex public health challenges, with great success. Since 2019, the UK Government has actively encouraged partnership working to address serious violence via Violence Reduction […]
My learning from my first six months at Rocket Science
As I approach six months working at Rocket Science, I’ve found myself reflecting on what I have learnt during this time. When I started, I’d never heard of a “Theory of Change” or an “ITT”. Now I’m hopping between reports, proposals, fieldwork, and workshops. Most starkly, my understanding of what research is, what it can […]
How to measure Navigator programmes at Level 4 standard
Learning insights from how we conducted a Level 4 Standard evaluation of a navigator programme. Rocket Science has supported many Violence Reduction Units (VRUs) with research, evaluation and grant management. We are pleased to be able to share learnings from our evaluation of Plan B in South Yorkshire. Plan B is a custody navigator programme. […]
Strengthening the Funding Ecosystem: Free expert-led sessions to make funding work better for everyone.
Strengthening the Funding Ecosystem: Free expert-led sessions to make funding work better for everyone. For over 20 years, Rocket Science has been helping government agencies, charitable trusts and funders design, deliver and evaluate programmes that create real impact. Through our Funder Advisory and Management Services (FAMS), we bring together experienced practitioners who’ve worked across the funding spectrum from grassroots […]
Our AI Journey
Our AI Journey A couple of years ago we put the brakes on the use of AI in our business with a strict no use policy. Some of our clients were making it explicit that AI could not be used in the delivery of projects, and we were concerned not least from a GDPR, data […]
How far have we really come from destigmatising mental health conditions?
How far have we really come from destigmatising mental health conditions? Over recent years, there has been a shift in how people view and talk about mental health, with portions of the population being more comfortable in having open and honest conversations regarding more vulnerable topics. However, we still see discrimination around mental health disorders […]
Launch announcement: Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (JEDI) Collective
Launch announcement: Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (JEDI) Collective We are excited to announce the launch of our Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (JEDI) Collective – a staff-led initiative to promote and embed the principles and practices of justice, equity, diversity and inclusion in Rocket Science internal operations and through our work with clients and partners. We’re […]
Sharing our AI Policy
Sharing our AI Policy After what seems months of investigation, deliberation, strategic alignment and training we are pleased to launch our AI policy. It’s a policy we wanted to share with the world as we know from colleagues, partners and clients alike that they too are struggling with the opportunities and dilemmas presented by AI. […]
