Public Sector Specialist Opens Stakeholder Consultancy

In the UK, former Opinion Leader and ORC International Director Rachel Lopata has set up a new consultancy to help public sector clients engage in more effective dialogue with their communities and stakeholders.

Lopata has founded Community Research after more than 15 years' experience in market and social research, having worked at Director level for a number of major agencies. Most recently, she was Research Director at Opinion Leader, prior to which she headed the Public Sector division at ORC International. She also brings direct experience of the public sector to her work, having spent six years in a Policy and Research role within Local Government.

Lopata's new firm offers full service research and engagement services, including the latest deliberative and collaborative techniques - from small-scale workshops and citizen juries to much larger-scale deliberative events. She is also offering training and consultancy services in association with The Consultation Institute.

'The company philosophy is based on a genuine desire to create connections between organisations and the communities that they serve,' said Lopata. 'For communities we want to build confidence and create empowerment, giving people a genuine opportunity to have a say on the issues that affect their lives.'

Web site: www.communityresearch.co.uk .