The challenge

As part of its 'Access Reform Programme', the Welsh Government requested that Natural Resources Wales (NRW) provide advice and options for associated actions for a number of reforms. 

Feeding into the non-legislative recommendations, the aim of this project was to develop a behavioural science-based approach to generate behaviourally informed interventions to reduce dog-related incidents that occur in the vicinity of livestock.

The approach

With a population of just over 3.2 million and an economic and commercial landscape as diverse as its geographical variations, at DJS Research we understand the importance of crafting tailored market research solutions which resonate with the specific needs of consumers and businesses in Wales.

From the variations of its seven major cities to the beauty of its three national parks, the breadth of specialisms across its eight universities to the range of independent, national and international businesses operating within its borders – its national symbol of the Welsh red dragon couldn't be more perfect to embody the might and value of this devolved nation.

DJS Research has been managing contracts across the public, private and not-for-profit sectors in Wales since our inception in 2001.

We’re proud to have built a strong reputation across the country for delivering robust and high-quality research projects and meaningful client relationships. Through our extensive work with clients including Public Health Wales, Hafren Dyfrdwy and the Centre for Climate Change and Social Transformations (Cardiff University), we are fully conversant with conducting research in both Welsh and English and recognise how critical this is to ensure inclusivity and accessibility for all nationals.

All our Welsh speaking projects are delivered with strict adherence to the Welsh Language Standards. We have a team of dedicated Welsh speaking interviewers in our telephone (CATI) team and a large team of Welsh speaking fieldworkers covering the full breadth of Wales.

Mae ein holl brosiectau sy'n siarad Cymraeg yn cael eu cyflawni gyda’r lynu’n gaeth yr Safonau'r Iaith Gymraeg. Mae gennym dîm o gyfwelwyr ymroddgar siaradwr Cymraeg yn ein tîm ffôn (CATI) a thîm fawr o weithwyr maes sy'n siarad Cymraeg yn cwmpasu’r holl o Nghymru.

DJS Research in Wales: Projects in the spotlight

Building the ‘Time to Talk Public Health’ panel for Public Health Wales

• Time to Talk Public Health is a national conversation established by Public Health Wales and DJS Research in late 2022 that regularly engages with the public on a variety of current public health topics.
• A panel of 2,500 residents was initially recruited in late 2022 to be representative of the adult population in Wales by age, sex, deprivation, ethnicity and health board. Panel members share their views and experiences via regular surveys via a variety of methods, including online, telephone and face-to-face.
• The results help shape public health policy and decision-making and contribute to improving health and wellbeing across Wales.

Social tariff research for Hafren Dyfrdwy

• Water company Hafren Dyfrdwy wanted to review the amount that its customers were willing to contribute to its social tariff, with a view to increasing annual contributions; the more money customers were willing to contribute, the higher the number of struggling customers that could be helped.
• To provide the crucial personal insight required for this project, DJS Research conducted a total of 439 in-person interviews with a representative sample of customers from across all regions served by Hafren Dyfrdwy.

Attitudinal research on an international scale for the Centre for Climate Change and Social Transformation (CAST)

• Led by Cardiff University, CAST (a collaboration between six major universities and the charity Climate Outreach) wanted to understand attitudes towards climate change, and resulting behaviours, of adults living in the UK – with boosted surveys in Wales and Scotland – as well as three other countries (China, Brazil, and Sweden).
• DJS Research conducted and managed an annual survey on behalf of CAST which collated insights from 1,000 adults within each country over a four-year period.

To find out more about our expertise with Welsh businesses and organisations, contact our team today. 

The results

A range of behaviours were identified during the discussions which were then assessed for feasibility and potential positive impact on NRW's goals. Four were ultimately taken forwards to be the focus of a deep dive into their associated barriers and enablers analysed in detail using the COM-B model.

A long list of behavioural intervention ideas was then created either through co-development with stakeholders or by interpreting participants’ suggestions through a behavioural lens. These interventions are now being worked up for a field test.

Further information about the research can be found here.