Who We Are
Research, evaluation and impact for complex challenges
PolicyScribe is an independent research, evaluation and impact consultancy founded by Dr Eve Hepburn.
We work with public bodies, universities, charities and other organisations to understand complex challenges, generate robust evidence and translate that evidence into meaningful action.
Our work combines the methodological rigour of academic research with a deep understanding of policy, public services and organisational change. We are particularly interested in questions that sit across boundaries, such as between policies, organisations, disciplines, sectors and communities. This is where we believe that a stronger understanding of the wider system, and the relationships within, it is essential.
Our approach
Complex problems rarely have simple causes or linear solutions. PolicyScribe takes an integrative, systems-informed approach, bringing together different forms of evidence, perspectives and methods to understand not only what is happening, but how, why and what can be done about it.
Across our research, evaluation and impact work, we look for patterns, connections and pathways: between evidence and policy, activities and outcomes, research and impact, and different actors within a system. Our aim is not simply to produce rigorous research. It is to help organisations see the patterns within complex evidence, understand what they mean, and act on that understanding.
Evidence → Insight → Action
How we work
Every project is designed around the question rather than a predetermined methodology.
Depending on the challenge, we draw on qualitative and quantitative research, evaluation, Theory of Change, contribution analysis, comparative research, systems thinking, case studies, stakeholder engagement and facilitated learning.
PolicyScribe also works with a trusted network of Associates, who are experienced independent researchers and specialists, which enables us to build the right team for larger or multidisciplinary projects while retaining a highly personal and senior-led approach.
Dr Eve Hepburn, Director
PolicyScribe was founded by Dr Eve Hepburn FRSA, a social researcher, evaluator and policy specialist with more than 20 years’ experience spanning academia, policy research and consultancy.
Eve has worked with universities, governments, public bodies and third-sector organisations in the UK and internationally. She was previously an associate professor of politics, and is the author of 11 books and more than 70 academic articles and book chapters, alongside dozens of policy and research reports for public and third-sector organisations. She has extensive experience translating complex evidence into practical insights for policy and practice.
Her work increasingly focuses on understanding pathways to change and impact: how research, policy, programmes, relationships and wider systems interact to create change.