Policy Studies Institute
Policy Studies Institute (PSI) is an independent research institute within the University of Westminster, conducting research to promote economic well-being and improve quality of life. PSI enjoys a reputation for the rigorous and impartial evaluation of policy in the UK and Europe, and the publication and dissemination of research findings is central to our ethos.
PSI became part of the University of Westminster in 1998. In 2006, PSI celebrated its 75th anniversary. To commemorate the occasion, a special brochure was produced. You can read the brochure, which includes information on PSI's history and future plans, here [pdf].
PSI takes a politically neutral stance on issues of public policy and has no connections with any political party, commercial interest or pressure group.
PSI's 35 researchers are organised in two multi-disciplinary groups: Environment, and Work and Social Policy (WASP). Policy research often addresses issues requiring interdisciplinary approaches. We frequently undertake collaborative projects. Our research strength lies in our use of the most advanced methods and professional expertise, combined with a commitment to analysis and presentation that are of value of to all of those interested in evaluating and changing public policies. We have a strong reputation for using large-scale national surveys in innovative and creative ways, but we also make extensive use of other research methods, including case studies, intensive interviewing of special groups, statistical analysis, scenario building, literature and document research, focus groups and discussions with practitioners and other stakeholders, seminars, conferences and group discussions.
We collaborate with academic colleagues within the University of Westminster and also with many leading research institutes, think tanks and academic departments, such as the National Centre for Social Research; the National Institute for Economic and Social Research; the Institute of Employment Research; the Institute for Public Policy Research; the Centre for the Analysis of Social Exclusion, London School of Economics; Centre for Economics Performance, LSE; the Centre for Labour Market Studies, University of Leicester; Social Policy Research Unit, University of York; the Institute of Education, University of London; and many others.
The publication and dissemination of our research is an integral part of PSI's activity, and we undertake research on the understanding that the results will be made public whenever possible.
