Arcola Research LLP is a limited liability partnership based in the UK that provides research, evaluation and consultancy services. We work across a number of sectors – including health, criminal justice, education and training, technology development – and for different kinds of clients, including government, the private sector, NGOs and community groups.

Arcola Research LDA PT is the Portuguese arm of Arcola Research LLP. It is a ‘Sociedade por Quotas’ based in Miranda do Corvo, central Portugal, that provides a similar range of research, evaluation and consultancy services. It also works across a similar range of sectors and clients, including working in EU-funded programmes.

Arcola works closely with Associação Godinhela – Investigação e Desenvolvimento Social (AGID). AGID was founded by members of Arcola Research PT and the Catholic University of Portugal, based in Lisbon. The Association aims to address social exclusion by researching its causes and carrying out projects and programmes to improve opportunities for a range of groups with fewer opportunities, with a particular focus on young people who are ‘left behind’

Why we are different

Four things make Arcola Research distinctive. First, we apply innovative methods and tools to solve complex problems. Second, we use new technologies to get to places other researchers can’t go. Third, we belong to an extensive network of international researchers and evaluators that gives us and our clients access to a worldwide knowledge base and community of practice. Finally, we don’t just do research and evaluation. We use evidence and knowledge not just to help clients solve an immediate problem but to support them in developing and evolving as ‘learning organisations’.