Our services

Social and political analysis…

At SDDirect we use social and political analysis to understand the norms and institutions that structure relations and processes within society. By systematically gathering information on social groups, social relations and institutions, we are able to analyse power relations between them and to understand the barriers which some groups face in accessing resources and opportunities.

Social and political research…

Social research is concerned with measuring and analysing social structures, attitudes, norms and behaviours and the factors that motivate and constrain individuals and groups in society.

Programme and project design…

SDDirect consultants take a lead on developing projects and programmes with a strong social development focus, such as reducing risk and vulnerability, tackling social exclusion, designing social protection measures, promoting gender equality and working with civil society.

Policy development…

At the core of SDDirect's development practice is our work to inform policy in order to improve the ways in which the social and political dimensions of development are understood and addressed.

Monitoring and evaluation…

SDDirect's approach emphasises the importance of high quality social and political analysis in monitoring and evaluating the contribution of development interventions to poverty reduction and their impacts on different social and economic groups.

Working with civil society…

SDDirect uses the term civil society for a wide range of collective actions around common goals and interests. In their social, economic and political actions, people often choose to be represented by civil society organisations (CSOs). There are many categories of CSOs - for example, trade unions, media organisations, academic institutions, faith-based organisations, community-based organisations and women's organisations. The most usual interpretation of the term CSO is non-governmental organisation (NGO), either national (NNGO) or international (INGO).

Professional development…

Strengthening the social development capacity of organisations working in the area of poverty reduction in the UK and internationally, equipping them to design and deliver effective policy and services to reduce poverty and inequality, is a cornerstone of successful, sustainable development.