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About PSIPSI undertakes and publishes research studies relevant to social, economic, industrial and environmental policy. The Institute is a charity, run on a not-for-profit basis. In 1998 it merged to become an independent subsidiary of the University of Westminster. In 2006, PSI celebrated its 75th anniversary. To commemorate the occasion, a special brochure was produced. You can read the brochure, which includes information on PSI's history and future plans, here [pdf]. PSI takes a politically neutral stance on issues of public policy and has no connections with any political party, commercial interest or pressure group.  PSI's Hanson Street offices Our income is derived from funds for individual research projects received from a variety of sources including government departments; agencies such as ACAS and the Environment Agency; charitable trusts such as the Joseph Rowntree Foundation and the Nuffield Foundation; research councils such as the Economic and Social Research Council; the European Commission; and companies. PSI's 35 researchers are organised in two multi-disciplinary groups: Environment, and Work and Social Policy (WASP). Policy research often addresses issues requiring interdisciplinary approaches. We frequently undertake collaborative projects. Our research strength lies in our use of the most advanced methods and professional expertise, combined with a commitment to analysis and presentation that are of value of to all of those interested in evaluating and changing public policies. We have a strong reputation for using large-scale national surveys in innovative and creative ways, but we also make extensive use of other research methods, including case studies, intensive interviewing of special groups, statistical analysis, scenario building, literature and document research, focus groups and discussions with practitioners and other stakeholders, seminars, conferences and group discussions. We collaborate with academic colleagues within the University of Westminster and also with many leading research institutes, think tanks and academic departments, such as the National Centre for Social Research; the National Institute for Economic and Social Research; the Institute of Employment Research; the Institute for Public Policy Research; the Centre for the Analysis of Social Exclusion, London School of Economics; Centre for Economics Performance, LSE; the Centre for Labour Market Studies, University of Leicester; Social Policy Research Unit, University of York; the Institute of Education, University of London; and many others. The publication and dissemination of our research is an integral part of PSI's activity, and we undertake research only on the understanding that the results will be made public - however uncomfortable the findings may be to any established interests. History of PSIThe Institute has a long and distinguished history. In its former guise of Political and Economic Planning (PEP), it drew up the blueprint for what became the National Health Service and the Race Relations Act. More recently, it has become respected for its agenda-setting work on young offenders, ethnic diversity, welfare and the labour market. PSI was formed in 1978 through the merger of Political and Economic Planning (PEP, established in 1931) and the Centre for Studies in Social Policy (CSSP, established in 1972). PEP was created in response to the depression in Great Britain in the 1930s. Max Nicholson, then assistant editor of the Week-End Review, wrote a supplement to the Review in February 1931 entitled: A National Plan for Great Britain. This plan aimed to improve the country's economic, political and social condition and contained many pioneering ideas which are familiar to us today. A number of people, who were either involved in drafting the plan or who were impressed by it, came together with the belief that sensible planning could overcome Britain's decline. They came up with the idea of forming a permanent research body to enquire into the problems of the day and to use facts to formulate possible solutions to these problems. PEP carried out studies into the various issues and problems which have affected the country over the years including employment, transport, race relations, the welfare state, the Common Market and trade. Some of the work carried out was particularly influential. For example, in 1937, PEP published reports on the health services. Among the recommendations was that of a National Health Service, a proposal taken up later in the Beveridge Report. The 1967 PEP report of surveys carried out to measure the extent of racial discrimination in Britain convinced the government that the 1965 Race Relations Act needed to be extended by a second Act. Over the years, PEP developed into a professional research institute, using social research techniques to produce useful work for the formulation of policy. In 1978, it was decided that PEP should merge with the Centre for Studies in Social Policy. The two organisations had broadly similar interests, and the merger was seen as a way of increasing their ability to respond to the increasing number of problems arising in the country. The name Policy Studies Institute was chosen for the new institute, which came into existence on 31 March 1978. In January 1998, PSI became a wholly-owned subsidiary company of the University of Westminster (press release). The Institute retained its name, and continues to undertake the policy-relevant, high quality research for which it has always been noted. PSI missionPSI’s mission is to inform public policy and practice through the provision, dissemination and promotion of high quality research. Its vision is to be highly regarded and influential in social, economic and environmental research. Its values are to be:
PSI stakes its claim on the quality and rigour of its research, basing its work on six key principles:
The Policy Studies Institute (PSI) is a Registered Charity, No. 313819, and a company limited by guarantee, registration No. 779698 (England). Registered Office: 50 Hanson Street, London, W1W 6UP. |
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NewsNew seminar series examines work and social policy issues [added 28/10/2008] How to improve engagement with local services [added 11/11/2008] Michigan professor delivers memorial lecture [added 04/11/2008] PSI research influences welfare reform [added 12/08/2008] Research for Public Policy on Gambling [added 30/09/2008] Putting the clocks forward, once and for all [added 22/10/2008] Are personnel specialists holding back [added 19/08/2008] Stephen Lissenburgh Memorial Lecture [added 10/10/2008] |
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Address: Policy Studies Institute, 50 Hanson Street, London, W1W 6UP
E-mail: 
Telephone: 020 7911 7500 | 
Home page: