Overview

We keep things simple and take a person-centred approach to put real voices at the heart of research. Blending traditional and creative methods, we specialise in social research and evaluation, delivering insights that matter for the public and voluntary sector.

Services

SMPL Research is a small, passionate team specialising in social research and evaluation for the public and voluntary sector. We believe good research doesn’t have to be complicated, and keep things simple to deliver insights with impact.

We use a mix of traditional and creative methods to explore what matters to people and help organisations improve services, shape policy, and drive meaningful change. Blending data with real human experiences, we design research that puts participant’s voices at the centre and makes the process inclusive for all.

Our services include qualitative research such as depth interviews and focus groups, mixed-methods evaluations, surveys and consultations, and innovative approaches which empower participants, including digital ethnography and appreciative enquiry.

With decades of experience working in the public sector and local government research, alongside our research expertise we also bring an understanding of the complexities involved in delivering public services.

We only take on projects we truly care about, and work flexibly with clients of all sizes, always adding a personal touch and creativity to spark those ‘lightbulb moments’.

About

I’m Poppy, co-founder and Managing Director of SMPL Research. I’m driven by doing research that matters and inspires real change.

I began my career in local government and have since led a wide range of research and evaluation projects across the public and voluntary sector.

With a background in social psychology and sociology, I strive to embed ethics and empathy into every stage of the research process.

My skills include interviewing, participatory approaches, accessible research design, and user-led evaluation. I also have a passion for crafting reports that don’t just sit on a shelf – they bring insights to life and move stakeholders to action.

I have worked on a variety of subject areas including child and family services, public health and communities, and am particularly passionate about research into women’s safety and violence against women and girls.