About Us
“Each time a [person] stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, [she/he] sends forth a tiny ripple of hope, and crossing each other from a million different centres of energy and daring those ripples build a current which can sweep down the mightiest walls of oppression and resistance”
Founded by Dr Darryl Nelson in 2014, Polity Research & Consulting is an independent, specialist social research consultancy based in Sydney and operating nationally in Australia.
As a full service, boutique agency, Polity’s team of senior, highly experienced consultants offers best-practice quant and qual expertise, underpinned by the latest in professional methods and theoretical thinking.
OUR TEAM
Polity is managed by Dr Darryl Nelson, who has more than 25 years media and research consulting experience across commercial and public sectors.
As lead consultant, Darryl’s evidence-based insights have informed decision making at the highest levels in corporate, government and non-profit settings.
Our Approach
Polity’s research approach is based on many years of experience working with clients to deliver research that is both rigorous and clearly aligned with client objectives.
We work closely and iteratively with clients to develop the research focal points, appropriate scope and outcomes that will deliver. We do not know your domain better than you do, so this approach ensures the project addresses the gaps in your current knowledge and the insights your objectives require.
We also work in accordance with the Research Society’s Code of Professional Behaviour
Our 'Social' Expertise
As a research discipline, social research is distinct from market research in two key ways: firstly, the interaction with target communities must be premised on a stakeholder footing, researching people much more as ‘citizens’ rather than as customers. Secondly, while market research is primarily focused on selling more product or service, social research is always about creating better stakeholder engagement and relationships.
Polity specialises in working with organisations to fully understand their key stakeholders, which can include the general population (e.g. to gauge the public mood), or more specific groups such as employees, B2B client organisations, members, local communities or diverse social groups.
We are particularly experienced in working with organisations focused on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Our work in First Nations’ affairs has covered issues including employment, financial literacy, cultural arts, the campaign for Constitutional Recognition and especially towards reconciliation.
Our Consulting Experience
Darryl and the Polity team are highly experienced in researching all strata of stakeholders, from C-level executives to employees, from Cabinet Ministers to the general public.
Our consultants are well versed in exploring and evaluating key areas of common ground, between client objectives and stakeholder expectations, and the best opportunities for building strong relationships based on shared value.
See clients we’ve worked with
Since 2014, Polity has proudly worked with many organisations across corporate, government and non-profit sectors in Australia. Please see our client portfolio for some recent and prominent examples.
GET IN TOUCH
Please reach out to discuss your project needs with us and to learn more about Polity’s services.