Case studies
By understanding that every community is unique, we have helped numerous organisations to explore the diverse needs, behaviours and perceptions of their members and make decisions that improve experiences. You can also visit the research reports page to explore our public-facing work, including free independent research.

Corporate Partnership Programme research
We conducted qualitative research for APM to find out what Corporate Partners and Affiliates value from the Corporate Partnership Programme to ensure APM’s offering is fresh and relevant, future growth plans are understood and resources are allocated accordingly.
Membership researchMulti-method competence framework review
Shift undertook a literature review and online focus groups in this consultation for APM, to inform the update of their Competence Framework, a core part of their offer.
Publications and new service development researchInterviews and usability testing around CPD development
We conducted qualitative research and usability testing with APM's membership, to to understand how members accessed and used their CPD resources, as well as to user-test a potential new CPD area.
Publications and new service development researchMembership Survey 2021
APM commissioned Shift to conduct its third study exploring member and follower perceptions, the overall membership experience and their wider products and services used. We have conducted APM’s membership surveys since 2014.
Membership research
Scholarly publishing audience and competitor research
The Royal Society of Chemistry needed a better understanding of the value and impact of their academic journal CERP. In-depth interviews, e-survey, competitor analysis and literature review allowed Shift to paint a detailed picture of the publication and the sector.
Publications and new service development research
Mixed-methods membership research
We conducted desk research, an eSurvey and 90 in-depth interviews to help the FSRH develop their understanding of membership activities and use of services.
Membership researchEngagement of young people
The brief A world-leading professional organisation sought to develop an offer to engage young people aged 5-16 with the aim to support, inspire and encourage participation in their sector. As well as needing to find out what specifically would appeal to young people across their target age range, this organisation sought to understand what concerns […]
Publications and new service development research
Interviews around primary chemistry resources
We conducted 40 phone interviews with primary teachers who taught science to explore their experiences and challenges, as well as their perceptions of RSC services.
Publications and new service development research
Investigating communities of interest
The brief As part of their ongoing membership research, APM commissioned Shift to investigate what their current members, as well as the wider project community, wanted and expected of a chartered professional body in terms of its communities of interest. They wanted a comprehensive piece of research that would give them insight into what other […]
Membership researchGCSE Science timetable models
Through a survey and phone interviews, Shift Learning delivered insights to the Learned Societies around the variety of timetable models used for KS4 sciences in England, which informed a debate at the 2019 ASE conference and ongoing policy.
Research to inform policy development
Stakeholder engagement
The brief On October 12th 2017, the Privy Council considered APM’s application for a Royal Charter and issued an Order of Grant. This decision triggered a number of procedural steps, including the activation of a new chartered organisation and creation of a register of Chartered Project Professionals. As part of this process, APM as a […]
Qualifications and accreditation research
Testing propositions for the refreshed RPP standard
In response to the growing interest in their Registered Project Professional (RPP) standard, an updated competency framework and a drive towards making the standard more accessible to a wider range of professionals while maintaining its current rigour, APM were working towards refreshing the standard.
Qualifications and accreditation research