Research
We ask the right questions, listen to the people involved and gather the evidence needed to make informed decisions.
Stakeholder interviews · Surveys · Desk research · Evaluation · Needs analysis
We make complex
things simple
We help organisations understand problems, gather evidence and turn insight into practical action.
1
Understand
the problem 2
Gather
the evidence 3
Make sense
of it 4
Recommend
what to do 5
Build
the capability
Understandthe problem 2
Gatherthe evidence 3
Make senseof it 4
Recommendwhat to do 5
Buildthe capability
What we do
From uncertainty to action
Insight
We analyse what we find, identify what matters and turn complex evidence into clear findings and practical recommendations.
Qualitative analysis · Evidence synthesis · Capability frameworks · Recommendations
Learning
We build the knowledge, skills and resources people need to put those recommendations into practice.
Learning strategy · Instructional design · Digital learning · Evaluation
Our approach
A clear route through complexity
- UnderstandDefine the problem and what you need to know.
- ResearchGather evidence from people, data and existing knowledge.
- AnalyseFind the patterns, gaps and opportunities.
- RecommendTurn the findings into clear, realistic actions.
- BuildCreate the learning and capability to make change happen.
Our work
We make complex things simple. We start by understanding the problem, bringing together people’s experiences, organisational data and existing evidence to work out what matters and recommend what to do next.
Our work includes analysing thousands of survey responses, exploring changing roles and capability needs with stakeholders, and evaluating learning provision — turning evidence into practical action.
We also create learning that helps people put change into practice, from interactive courses and explainer videos to clear, practical guides. Explore some examples below.
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Smart city technologies
Making connected technologies easy to understand.
View demo -
Learning disability awareness
Building understanding through accessible learning.
View demo -
Generative AI image creation
A practical introduction to creating images with AI.
View demo -
Gmail explained simply
Clear, step-by-step guidance for everyday tasks.
View demo -
Training-needs analysis
Identifying what people need to learn.
View demo -
Choosing the right visualisation
Helping people communicate data clearly.
View demo
About us
Curious, critical and practical
Understand Learning is an independent consultancy led by Craig Thomson and Neil Leslie. We combine research, analysis, learning design and communication.
Clients work directly with us throughout, creating continuity from the first question to the final recommendation or learning resource.
Our experience includes work for organisations across infrastructure, government, finance, education and the third sector.
Public sector procurement
Understand Learning is a supplier on two Government Commercial Agency agreements, giving public sector organisations a straightforward route to procure our research, insight, learning and capability services.
Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS)
RM6126
Research & Insights
Social, economic and market research and behavioural insight services for public sector projects of all sizes and values.
View the RM6126 agreement ↗Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS)
RM6219
Learning and Training Services DPS
Standard, specialist and bespoke training, including the design and development of learning technologies and resources.
View the RM6219 agreement ↗Start a conversation
Have a complex problem?
You don’t need to arrive with a fully formed brief. Tell us what you are trying to understand, decide or change.
Understand Learning Ltd
Studio 29, Meantime Studios
14 Feathers Place
London SE10 9NE