Independent research consultancy

Bringing life to your evidence​

Littleford Social Research Impact is an independent research consultancy providing bespoke services to the charitable, not-for-profit, voluntary and community sectors in Essex and beyond.

How can we help you?​

Whether you’re looking to develop a project proposal or funding bid, share evidence and stories about your impact, present your data in ways that make sense to others, or run an engaging session, we can offer tailored support to help you achieve your aims.

Research and Evaluation​

You may be looking for an original research study, a formal evaluation of your services, or something altogether more light touch. Whatever it is, our bespoke, flexible services can adapt to your needs. We use quantitative, qualitative and participatory methods to get to the heart of the matter.

Evidence Reviews​

Our focused reviews of published literature can answer your questions or support your development. By drawing on evidence from academic journals, policy and practitioner publications, web and other sources, we can give you the information you need to take your work forward.

Data Analysis and Visualisation​​

Making sense of your data for different purposes and audiences can be a real challenge. We can design and conduct data collection, analysis and reporting, including finding creative ways to visualise and communicate the stories that your data are telling.

Communicating Impact​​

Showcasing the difference your work makes by telling your stories in creative ways is at the core of what we do. We tailor engaging reporting to suit different audiences, from commissioners and potential funders to partners, peers and community members.

Facilitation and Training​​

Sharing ideas and learning together in friendly, engaging and inspiring sessions can make all the difference to a team or a programme. We offer bespoke workshop facilitation, training, consultation and co-production. We can also offer visual minuting and scribing at your events!

Writing​​

We can work with you to develop engaging written content about your work or your evidence, tailored to your audiences. This could be content for reports, proposals, funding bids, websites, presentations or any other purposes you can think of!

Meet Dr Clare Littleford​​

Clare founded Littleford Social Research Impact in 2025, following more than fifteen years in a variety of research roles. She takes the lead in the consultancy, bringing in colleagues and collaborators as required.​

clare littleford website2

I’m an independent researcher based in Southend-on-Sea, Essex. I started out working in community development in Nottingham, supporting grass roots partnerships tackling local challenges, particularly around community-based health, the environment and sustainability.

After completing a Masters degree and a PhD, I switched to research and moved to Southend-on-Sea. I worked as a researcher at University College London (UCL) before moving to the National Centre for Social Research (NatCen), where I became a Research Director. I developed a thorough grounding in research and evaluation methodology, and how to apply, analyse and report research in the real world.

I was delighted to apply these skills in my own community when I became Head of Research, Evaluation and Impact at A Better Start Southend (ABSS) in 2020. ABSS was a ten-year National Lottery funded Test-and-Learn programme, ending in July 2025, which supported early years families in Southend. I led the development of evidence about the impact of ABSS on children, families and services in Southend – and found creative ways to share our findings. Check out the ABSS legacy website for examples of this work!

I’m excited to offer my expertise to the not-for-profit, voluntary and community sectors in Southend, Essex and beyond. So do get in touch if there’s anything I or my colleagues may be able to help you with!

Would you like to discuss a project with us?​

Whatever you have in mind, we’re happy to talk through your ideas and see how we can help. Drop Clare an email and start the conversation!