Maximise Engagement Through Focus Groups and Research: Five Key Lessons for Progressive Organisations
Over many years of working in politics and campaigns, I’ve seen first-hand how robust research can drive meaningful change. Whether running national election campaigns, advising political leaders, or engaging with grassroots movements, success has always depended on understanding people’s motivations and turning that understanding into action. Now, at Stratcom UK, I’m proud to help progressive organisations — including trade unions, advocacy groups, and political campaigns — achieve exactly that.
We specialise in delivering research that goes beyond the surface – with a particular focus on qualitative focus groups. At Stratcom, we use a specialised, secure, platform for a better experience for both participants and client observers. These conversations provide the rich, nuanced insights organisations need to better connect with their members, supporters, and stakeholders, as well as deliver results that matter.
From shaping campaigns to amplifying voices, here are five key lessons we’ve learned from running effective research programmes for progressive organisations.
Focus Groups Reveal the Story Behind the Numbers
Polling (or Survey Research), is one of the best-known forms of quantitative research and a powerful tool for understanding attitudes, behaviours, and trends. But numbers alone don’t tell the full story. Focus groups bring data to life, uncovering the why behind the what. These deeper conversations offer the perspectives and emotional insights that traditional polling simply can’t capture.
By listening to what members and supporters really think—in their own words—we help progressive organisations develop strategies that resonate, inspire action, and build meaningful connections.
Diverse Representation Creates Stronger Insights
The success of any research programme hinges on inclusivity. Focus groups allow us to ensure all voices are heard—across gender, age, region, ethnicity, and background. This diversity doesn’t just enhance understanding; it builds trust and ensures no group feels overlooked.
For progressive organisations, ensuring representative participation means decisions and strategies will reflect the real priorities and values of their audiences.
Adaptability Matters in a Changing World
The landscape for progressive organisations is constantly shifting—whether it’s political developments, policy changes, or major social issues. Ongoing and adaptable focus groups allow us to stay ahead of these changes, refining questions and approaches to ensure research remains relevant.
By staying connected to the evolving priorities of their audiences, organisations can respond quickly and effectively to emerging challenges and opportunities.
Trust Drives Honest and Engaged Participation
Focus groups rely on trust. Participants must feel confident that their views matter and will be used to inform real action. At Stratcom UK, we build this trust by creating open, transparent spaces where participants feel heard and valued.
This doesn’t just improve the quality of insights—it also strengthens the organisation’s credibility and relationships with its supporters and members.
Actionable Insights Deliver Impact
The ultimate goal of any focus group or research project is to inspire action. Our programmes provide clear, actionable recommendations that help progressive organisations achieve their goals—whether it’s building campaigns, advocating for policy change, or driving greater engagement.
Insights are only valuable when they lead to impact. At Stratcom UK, we ensure research results translate into strategies that make a real difference.
Let’s Work Together
At Stratcom UK, we bring decades of experience at the heart of campaigns, movements, and organisations that drive change. Our focus group expertise – alongside a commitment to delivering actionable, transformative insights -makes us the perfect partner for progressive organisations looking to deepen engagement and deliver results.
So, whether interested in traditional research methods, or something more bespoke like our ‘bulletin board’ groups for multi-day iterative or key informant (KI) one-to-one conversational studies for post-advocacy campaign evaluation, get in touch today to discuss how Stratcom UK can help your organisation connect with your audiences, understand their priorities, and achieve your goals.
Email me at brian.roy@stratcomuk.com
Let’s make an impact together.
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