In-house research consultancy

The Homeless Link research team brings together a strong understanding of homelessness, a range of robust evidence, strong services and policy evaluation and research methods, as well as data-led outputs. Leveraging our solid research foundations and benefiting from the latest insights from across our organisations, we pro-actively deliver consultancy research for the sector.

We work alone or as part of a team with other like-minded consultancies and have access to specialist expertise and skills as part of our pool of Associates.

Extensive experience in secondary and primary research, including evaluations and reviews:

Over the years, we have supported a number of organisations through research and evaluations. Our team has expertise in data analysis and quantitative and qualitative research methods, and our experience spans both technical and mixed-methods process and impact evaluation methodologies.

A clear understanding of the multifaceted factors contributing to homelessness and the evolving needs of the sector.

Our expertise is rooted not only in theoretical frameworks but also builds upon the knowledge and insights derived from our organisation’s engagement with frontline services, ensuring that our work is enriched with a nuanced understanding of the issues at hand. We also manage a number of services which gather valuable data about rough sleeping and help people sleeping rough to access relevant services more effectively, including CHAIN, London Atlas of Street Homelessness, and Homeless England.

The Homeless Link research team also produce the Annual Review of Support for Single Homeless People in England, a key publication and resource for the wider homelessness data infrastructure pulling together data, insight and intelligence from across the sector to track trends in the scale and needs of the homelessness sector.

Genuine insights into the health inequalities of people experiencing homelessness and policy and practice influencing:

Since 2012 Homeless Link research team has been at the forefront of understanding the health inequalities of people experiencing homelessness through the Homeless Health Needs Audit (HHNA). The HHNA is a tool to understand the health inequalities of people experiencing homeless in a local area. We have produced two landmark reports, setting out national data on the health needs of people experiencing homelessness and their barriers in accessing service.

A track record in working collaboratively with diverse stakeholders and in undertaking lived experience engagement and co-production:

We have a proven track record of effectively engaging and collaborating with a wide spectrum of stakeholders as well as facilitating group discussions through a range of formats. We also actively engage with individuals who have lived experience of homelessness, valuing their insights and perspectives in shaping our analysis and recommendations, and have delivered a range of co-produced and peer-led research. In all our research, we are committed to ensuring that diverse voices are heard and captured and are currently developing tools and processes to ensure EDI is embedded in all our research activities.

Communicating outcomes, influence and compelling documents:  

We understand the critical intersection between robust research findings and their practical application in shaping policies and driving positive change within the homelessness sector. We are adept at translating research insights into actionable recommendations that resonate with policymakers, service providers, and other stakeholders. Our team has experience of producing high quality material and publications for a range of audiences. We have produced executive summaries for public dissemination for a number of public bodies, and have delivered clear, interesting and informative visual outputs communicating key findings through infographic work and illustrations.