Our commitment to quality

“We pride ourselves on providing clients with a high-quality service, supplying informative and usable advice that supports decision making and policy development.

ERS views our Quality Management System as an essential company framework to ensure customer satisfaction. We aim to fully understand (and wherever possible exceed) client expectations and those of other interested parties.

In order to achieve this, ERS is committed to a culture of continuous improvement throughout the organisation based on stated Quality Objectives and the ISO 9001: 2015 standard. We are committed to the continual review and improvement of our Quality Management System.

For each assignment, we conduct an analysis of operational and strategic risks, client requirements and statutory and regulatory requirements. From this, quality objectives are established to mitigate risk and enhance customer satisfaction.”

Chris Barlow, Associate Director

Reg. No. 6620410935

Our aims

  • Our team of skilled researchers specialises in designing and conducting studies that provide deep insights into the issues that matter to you. Whether it's conducting surveys, interviews, focus groups, or ethnographic research, we ensure you have the data to inform strategic decisions and policy making.

  • We understand that each organisation, project and programme is unique. That's why we tailor our services to meet your specific needs. Whether you require a one-time evaluation or ongoing research support, we collaborate with you to develop a solution that aligns with your goals and resources. Our data analysis and visualisation capabilities transform complex information into accessible insights. Whether it's showcasing your impact to stakeholders or refining your strategies, we make data meaningful.

  • We utilise rigorous methodologies to measure the impact of your interventions or the potential benefits of the actions you would like to undertake. However, we strive to go beyond data collection and analysis. by providing clear, actionable recommendations.

Our commitment to inclusion

At ERS, we take each project as an opportunity to address the ways in which traditional research may perpetuate exclusion and discrimination. Whilst our methods are bespoke to each project, the following elements are core to our approach:

Transparency: We are committed to ensuring that participants feel confident in their knowledge of exactly how the information they provide will be used, for what purpose, and how they can withdraw, change or otherwise control this information.

Building trust and confidence: Our priority is ensuring that participants feel as comfortable as possible during consultations. This means meeting in a manner in which they feel comfortable and in a place and at a time that suits them. We can offer introductory chats to build trust and answer any questions consultees might have.

Safeguarding participants: All consultations are carried out in line with relevant ERS policies, including those pertaining to vulnerable adults and children/young people. Where necessary, consultees can be signposted to sources of support. All ERS consultancy staff undergo Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks and the location of in-person consultations is subject to a risk assessment.

Accessibility: Our teams work closely with clients to ensure that our research processes and reporting outputs meet accessibility guidance and the needs of different audiences. We are skilled at communicating findings with visuals and infographics that can make complex data simple to understand.

Investing in communities: ERS encourages all team members to dedicate at least a day of their time each year to volunteering in their local communities. Some staff do much more unpaid work for community benefit and ERS has made financial donations to some of the charities with which colleagues have volunteered.

Promoting staff wellbeing: Core to our approach is ensuring that our staff are happy and safe in carrying out their work. All have access to personal wellbeing budgets which they can choose to use for a range of activities that support their wellbeing.

Our commitment to sustainability

ERS is dedicated to environmentally responsible practices. We actively promote sustainability awareness and engage clients, partners, suppliers, and subcontractors in alignment with our sustainability principles. Our operations align with the Acorn Standard BS8555:2003 and conform to the International Standard ISO 14001:2004, with a focus on ongoing improvement. Additionally, we meticulously assess and address environmental risks as integral components of our risk management procedures. ERS is a member of the Bristol Climate and Nature Partnership.

ERS is part of the RSK Group, which is widely regarded as a global leader in providing sustainable solutions. RSK places sustainability at the core of its values, as evident in its 'Nine Guiding Principles', encouraging staff to integrate sustainability into all activities. Demonstrating a commitment to a net-zero economy, RSK signed a 'Pledge to Net Zero' in 2020, aiming for a 30% reduction in UK greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 from a 2020 baseline.