Race, Faith and Cohesion

Providing evidence on race and social cohesion issues 

Britain today is more diverse – racially, ethnically and culturally – than ever before, presenting many new challenges for research and policy. Ipsos MORI's Race, Faith and Cohesion research unit is an expert, multi-disciplinary team which specialises in addressing these challenges. 

Our research is creative, analytical and actionable, and provides robust and detailed evidence for policy makers, researchers and those delivering services across the board.  We conduct high quality, innovative research among a diverse range of audiences for national and local government,non departmental government bodies, PCTs, local partnerships, and other not-for-profit organisations. 

We are highly experienced in reaching and researching a wide range of ethnic minority groups, and other minority communities such as refugees, asylum seekers and new migrants.  The breadth of our experience means we have a strong understanding on how to research minority groups effectively and sensitively who are often excluded or under-represented in wider research,. 

However, our expertise goes much further than simply doing the research and delivering the results. Our team offers detailed knowledge in the fields of health, race relations, community cohesion, crime, immigration, employment and the welfare state for a much broader understanding, as well as expertise across the range of qualitative and quantitative methodologies.  Also, our large and diverse face-to-face and telephone fieldforce can cover a range of languages and have years of experience of interviewing minority groups. 

A few examples of our recent work are given below, but we would be happy to talk to you about your needs and objectives.

Communities and Local Government - Citizenship Survey (2009-2011)

Ipsos MORI is currently conducting the Citizenship Survey.  The survey is one of the largest surveys across government and is used widely to measure a number Public Service Agreement (PSA) targets (including on community cohesion) as well as informing policy.  The survey comprises a nationally representative core sample of 10,000 people across England and Wales and a booster of a further 5,000 ethnic minority residents.  For the first time in 2009 the survey will also involve a booster of Muslim residents. 

Equality and Human Rights Commission – Ten years on from the Stephen Lawrence Inquiry (2009)

This large scale telephone survey explored public attitudes towards race in Britain to mark the 10th Anniversary of the Stephen Lawrence Inquiry. The survey involves a nationally representative sample of the general public as well as booster samples among specific ethnic and religious groups. 

City and Hackney PCT – Attitudes towards Breast Screening (2009)

This project trains and uses peer researchers to undertake interviews with women across City and Hackney. Given the sensitive nature of the subject matter and well as the ethnically diverse makeup of the locality it was felt that peer research would be an innovative way of reaching as many groups as possible as sensitively as possible. Groups involved in the study include Black African (particularly Nigerian and Somali), Black Caribbean, Bangladeshi, Jewish and White/White Irish women.

North Deptford Consultation – Regeneration of the North Deptford Area (2008)

Ipsos MORI was commissioned alongside Urban Practitioners to undertake a public consultation on the regeneration of the North Deptford area. North Deptford’s population is short-term, transient and is more than 50% from ethnic minority groups including recent migrants such as Vietnamese and Somalis.

Equality and Human Rights Commission – Public Attitudes towards Human Rights (2008) 

Last year we conducted a series of deliberative events and a national survey exploring the public’s attitudes towards Human Rights.  The findings of the study are being used to feed into the EHRC’s Inquiry into Human Rights. 

Department of Work and Pensions/Equal Opportunities Commission – Closing the gaps (2007)

Ipsos MORI held an interactive forum bringing together 45 young ethnic minority women (Pakistanis, Bangladeshis, Black African and Black Caribbean) along with 16 businesses – both large and small - to discuss ways in which to increase the representation of ethnic minority women in the workplace and how to overcome barriers to entry and progression in the workplace.  The forum was also attended by a number of observers from across Government, including Caroline Flint, Minister of State for Employment and Welfare Reform. 

Commission on Integration and Cohesion – Public Attitudes Towards Cohesion & Integration (2007)

 We worked closely with the Commission on Integration and Cohesion to conduct a large scale survey of public opinion. The study involved a number of booster surveys among ethnic minorities, people living in areas that have seen a recent increase in Eastern European migration, and areas that have experienced recent far right activity. The survey explored issues towards immigration, values, access to public services and the extent to which people mix with people from different backgrounds.

What our clients say

"Proactive in suggesting solutions" - Commission on Integration & Cohesion

"Ipsos MORI's professionalism, independence and knowledge of the subject area" -  Audit Commission

"Professionalism and innovative pre-tasking approach to focus groups"- WRAP (Waste & Recycling Action Programme)

"The team were extremely professional in their work with the focus groups and at building good relationships with Slough Borough Council" - Safer Slough Partnership