Mark Diffley, Research Director

I have worked as a researcher for over 10 years, delivering high quality studies for clients in all sectors across Scotland.

As well as the qualifications, core expertise and experience expected of all researchers I have a range of skills which are highly valued by our clients, including:

• promoting innovative solutions – I provide clients with new and innovative solutions to their research questions, from using new technologies to conduct research to data visualisation techniques to bring data to life. Examples include the use of new ‘social listening’ tools to measure internet activity, the use of innovative ‘paired-choice’ techniques for a major BBC survey in 2010 and the recent use of data visualisation to encapsulate our data on public attitudes to Scottish independence.
• communication – I am a skilled communicator, providing clients with clear concise research analysis and future recommendations. I also speak regularly at conferences and other events on a wide range of issues. I regularly represent Ipsos MORI in the media, appearing on national and local TV and radio, providing commentary on a range of policy issues.
• commentary and analysis – I regularly write articles and blogs for a range of national media outlets on a range of issues affecting public life in Scotland, from political polls to the ongoing constitutional debate and the future of public services in Scotland. Publications for which I have written include The Guardian, The Times, Total Politics and Holyrood Magazine. I have also provided evidence before Committees in the Scottish and Westminster Parliaments on a range of policy issues around which we have conducted research.
• post-research analysis and implementation – I help clients understand the meaning of findings and the implications for their policies and strategies or for their organisation as a whole. This is vital for clients in ensuring that the recommendations emerging from our research can be turned into meaningful and lasting change.

Client testimony:

"The project was complicated as it required liaison with a company who were providing the database. Ipsos MORI helped us negotiate with the company, including providing reassurance over data protection issues, and were very flexible in term of the timescale.  This was a tricky project but with the help of the team at Ipsos MORI we were able to achieve the objectives." Public Sector Client