Data analysis support from the Policy Insights Unit
Helping government teams turn data and evidence into clear, usable insight for policy
The Policy Insights Unit (PIU) helps departments and arm’s-length bodies across government develop analysis and ideas for policy.
As part of this offer, PIU can provide end-to-end data analysis support for teams working on policy and delivery challenges - from identifying the most relevant data and filling evidence gaps, through to analysing and visualising findings, developing clear data-led stories, and producing outputs for different audiences.
We tailor support depending on the needs of each project. This can include helping teams to:
- identify the data most relevant to a policy area
- design new data collection methods, including surveys, to address evidence gaps
- gather, clean, link and organise data so it is easier to use
- analyse data using tools such as R and Excel
- identify the trends and data points that matter most
- create compelling visualisations and clear data-led narratives
- produce outputs for different audiences, including ministerial briefings, reports for external publication and interactive analytical products for officials
Recent examples include a rapid evidence synthesis on the drivers of the not in education, employment or training (NEET) rate among 16 to 24-year-olds in the UK, an evidence review on demographic change and public services, and a data-led review of opportunity to support the early development of the Opportunity Mission.
This work has helped teams brief ministers and senior officials, frame cross-government discussions, and bring together evidence from across policy areas.
We’re happy to work with any kind of government team, whether it’s policy, analysis, digital, delivery or any other function. The commissioning process typically begins with a conversation to clarify your needs, and it can take as little as a week to scope and agree work.
Download the PIU data analysis slide deck to find out more about the support available:
If you have a policy challenge and think PIU could help, contact: enquiries@policyinsightsunit.gov.uk