SDC’s research and evaluation practice has strong foundations in both the skills and expertise the research team and associates bring and the principled and participative approach we take to gathering and sharing evidence and knowledge.

Grounded in sound understanding of mental health and well being policy and practice in Scotland and beyond, applied research and evaluation is at the core of SDC’s work. We have a dedicated team of researchers and a pool of associate consultants specialising across a range of topics.

Skills and expertise

SDC’s research and evaluation work is closely aligned with and supportive to the development support arm of SDC, allowing us to offer a unique and independent service that is effective in improving and facilitating evidence based change in organisations, systems and practice.

The SDC research team has a wide-ranging experience of designing and delivering projects that use research to promote learning and development from large scale national and international research and evaluation to locality based service evaluation, needs assessments, research and evaluation training.

We draw on our theoretical and cutting edge research evidence base to help people achieve sustainable solutions and translate evidence into action. We commonly apply the ‘theories of change’ model to our evaluations, working closely with stakeholders using an action research approach.

We also undertake pure research including large scale surveys, statistical analysis, systematic literature reviews, and in depth qualitative work.

Key topic areas

The SDC’s programme of research and evaluation work has developed over the last ten years, influencing and responding to the dynamic and increasingly cross-cutting mental health and well-being policy and practice agendas in Scotland and beyond. SDC’s research activity is focused on mental health and well being issues and areas of activity that are at the forefront of learning and innovation including:

• Reducing inequalities
• Promoting recovery and employability
• Suicide and self harm Prevention
• Primary Care
• Challenging Stigma and Discrimination
• Children and young people
• Health Improvement

Guiding principles

The principles that inform our research and evaluation work include:

• Independence and integrity - taking a professional, open-minded and fair approach
• Proficiency – focusing on topic areas and methods in which we have expertise and experience
• Reflexivity - responsive to change, learning from new evidence and methods
• Equality - using participatory methods inclusive of all stakeholders, making efforts to reach marginalized groups and individuals
• Sensitivity – acknowledging and appreciating the value in each of the range of perspectives on any issue
• Excellence - ensuring high quality standards of professionalism and practice, in line with our Code of Practice and quality assurance systems
• Promoting learning – amongst those we work with and for, and amongst the general public

Working in Partnership

SDC’s approach to research and evaluation is collaborative and we support agencies to work effectively in partnership. Since 1997, we have been commissioned by and worked with a wide range of international, national and local organisations including the World Health Organisation, the European Commission, Scottish Executive, COSLA, Local Authorities and Health Boards, Voluntary Organisations, Universities, and key funding bodies such as Camelot to carry out research and evaluation in the field of mental health and well-being.  

Working with and commissioning SDC’s research and evaluation team

If you are interested in working with us in partnership or commissioning our service and would like to discuss ways in which we can be helpful to you and/or your organisation, please contact Joanne McLean, Research and Evaluation Programme Lead.

Contact details

Ruth Stevenson
ruth@sdcmh.org.uk

0131 555 5959
07974 946563