Policy research and surveys
Government departments, policy teams, and research organisations use Citizen Space to run surveys, collect evidence, and gather stakeholder input during policy development. Get insights before formal consultation and throughout the policy lifecycle.
When you need to test thinking, gather evidence, or understand stakeholder views during policy development, Citizen Space provides a straightforward way to collect structured input from experts, delivery partners, affected groups, and the public.
Run research surveys, event registrations and targeted feedback exercises all on the same easy-to-use platform.
Why organisations use Citizen Space for policy research and surveys
Test policy thinking before formal consultation
Policy development is iterative. Before launching formal consultation on fully formed proposals, you need to test approaches, understand stakeholder concerns, and refine your thinking based on evidence.
Citizen Space lets you run research surveys and feedback exercises during policy development, gathering views from advisory groups, expert panels, delivery partners, or affected communities on draft thinking, proposed approaches, or policy options and shape better proposals before formal consultation.
Collect structured evidence efficiently
Evidence gathering shouldn't require manual collation from hundreds of emails. When running calls for evidence, research surveys, or data collection exercises, you need structured responses you can actually analyse.
Citizen Space structures evidence collection with flexible question types. For example, open text for detailed submissions, multiple choice for quantifiable data, file uploads for supporting documents, and matrix questions for structured feedback. Export organised data rather than sorting through inbox chaos.
Run surveys with specific groups
Not every policy question needs public consultation. Sometimes you need targeted input from delivery organisations, sector experts, local authorities, professional groups, or affected communities.
Run private surveys with specific stakeholder groups using direct links. Gather honest feedback from organisations you work with regularly, or reach specific audiences through partner channels. You control who the survey is for and who gets to respond.
Scale from targeted research to large, complex surveys
Policy research varies enormously in scope. Sometimes you're surveying 20 delivery partners. Sometimes you're gathering evidence from thousands of stakeholders. Sometimes you start small and scale up based on what you learn.
Use the same platform whether you're running a targeted survey with a dozen organisations or collecting evidence from the entire sector. No need to switch tools as your research expands.
Citizen Space does everything we need it to do – it solves so many problems… I cannot conceive how an organisation could deliver consultation or engagement without it.
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How policy research and surveys work on Citizen Space
1. Design your research or survey
Structure questions that generate the evidence you need—open text for detailed submissions, multiple choice for quantifiable responses, ranking questions for priorities, file uploads for case studies or supporting data. Build skip logic and branching for complex surveys that adapt based on response.
2. Reach your respondents
For targeted surveys, share links with specific organisations, expert groups, or delivery partners through direct communication or partner channels. For broader research, promote through sector networks, professional channels, or public communication.
No account creation required which means respondents can access surveys directly without login barriers.
3. Collect structured responses
Gather organised input rather than freeform emails. Stakeholders provide evidence in structured formats you've designed. For sensitive policy development, run private surveys where only invited respondents can access allowing you to maintain confidentiality whilst gathering frank feedback.
4. Monitor response as you go
See response rates in our simple real-time dashboard, identify gaps in coverage, and adjust outreach accordingly. Check you're reaching the stakeholder groups you need input from, not just hearing from the usual voices.
5. Export and analyse
Export all response data for proper analysis. Code qualitative responses, run statistical analysis on quantitative data, identify themes and patterns, compare stakeholder groups, and extract evidence for policy papers. Use your existing analytical tools and methods such as Microsoft Power BI.
6. Feed findings into policy development
Use evidence gathered through research and surveys to refine policy proposals, inform impact assessments, shape consultation documents, and build evidence bases for decision-making. Demonstrate evidence-informed policy development.
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Policy research and surveys in action
Citizen Space handles evidence gathering, policy research surveys, and targeted feedback during policy development and throughout the policy lifecycle.
Pre-consultation research: Policy teams survey expert advisory groups, delivery organisations, or affected communities before developing formal consultation proposals. Test policy options, understand implementation challenges, and identify unintended consequences early.
Delivery partner surveys: Central government departments, local authorities, NHS trusts, agencies, or other delivery organisations on implementation challenges, resource requirements, operational constraints, and practical delivery considerations.
Monitoring and evaluation: Departments survey stakeholders periodically to evaluate policy implementation, understand real-world effects, identify unintended consequences, and gather evidence for policy review.
See how Citizen Space supports policy research and evidence gathering
Book a demo and we'll talk through your research needs. Whether that's evidence gathering, delivery partner surveys, expert consultations, or public policy research and show you how Citizen Space structures input during policy development.
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