Welcome to Fuel Research
Fuel specialises in evaluation, research, service design, and training. We provide expert support to organisations working to create a positive social impact, across the UK. We are a purpose-led business, based in Newcastle, dedicated to tackling inequalities and fostering a more inclusive society.
With a forward-thinking approach, we combine rigorous data analysis with creative, inclusive methodologies to deliver high quality, evidence-based insights. Our work helps clients to assess impact, drive improvement, and create lasting social value.
We bring a wealth of experience working of across the public, private and voluntary (VCSE) sectors.
What we do
With extensive experience across the public and voluntary (VCSE) sectors—from national government to devolved administrations, local authorities, national and local charities —we bring comprehensive insights of the unique challenges and opportunities within these sectors.
Our services include:
Evaluation – We design and deliver process and impact evaluations using inclusive methodologies to assess effectiveness, impact, efficiency, and sustainability. Our participatory approaches ensure diverse perspectives shape our findings.
Service design – We work collaboratively to design, refine, and improve services. Applying human-centred design principles, we create innovative, efficient, and future-focused solutions. By engaging stakeholders at every stage, we ensure services are inclusive, responsive, and impactful.
Research – Using a range of qualitative and quantitative methodologies, from in-depth interviews to advanced analytics, we generate insights that drive decision-making. By embedding participatory techniques, we translate complex data into clear, actionable recommendations.
Training – We share our expertise through training and workshops on Theory of Change models, evaluation frameworks, and impact assessment methods. By embedding these skills within organisations, we help to build long-term capacity for monitoring and evaluation.
We have significant experience in employment and employability, health and work, poverty and welfare, justice, and health improvement.
You can find out more about our clients and projects here.
Our values
We are a purpose-led business. Our values include:
Excellence and quality
We uphold the highest standards in research and evaluation, using rigorous methodologies to generate reliable evidence that drives change.
Collaborative
We build relationships based on mutual trust and respect, recognising that the best insights come through co-creation and shared learning.
Purpose driven
Our work is rooted in a commitment to improving services, policies, and systems. We focus on research that makes a difference and leads to lasting social change.
Kindness, integrity and trauma-informed
We operate with empathy, fairness, and honesty, treating people with dignity and respect at every stage of the research and evaluation process. We are mindful of the impact of trauma and prioritise approaches that create safe, supportive, and empowering environments for participants.
Inclusive
We believe diverse perspectives strengthen our work. We actively seek out and amplify voices that are often unheard, ensuring our research and evaluations reflect the experiences of all communities.
Continuous learning and innovation
We embrace curiosity and growth, constantly refining our methods and approaches to remain at the forefront of research and evaluation practice.
Our team
Fuel Research was founded by Cherri Blissett. With extensive leadership experience in research, evaluation, and service design, Cherri has held senior roles, including Managing Director and co-owner at Rocket Science (2020–24 and as a Principal Consultant (2008-2014), Executive Director at Changing Lives (2018–20), and Director at the Wise Group (2014–18). Prior to this, Cherri held posts in the public, private and voluntary sector in a range of operational and strategic roles, including Local Authorities in the North East of England and the Alnwick Garden Trust.
She has led service reviews and evaluations across diverse sectors, including employment and skills, youth employment, community development, justice, housing and homelessness, drug and alcohol treatment, and domestic abuse. With expertise in designing, implementing, and evaluating programmes, she brings a comprehensive insight into system-wide challenges and solutions.
Associates
Fuel Research benefits from a great network of associates, bringing a diverse range of skills and expertise to our work. This network allows us to offer tailored, flexible support to meet the unique needs of each client and project.
All of our team are experts in their fields. Our highly experienced senior team means we deliver great results, first time, saving you time and resources.
If you would be interested in collaborating as an associate, please get in touch.
Latest
news
11 March 2025
We are thrilled to have received the North East Combined Authority Good Work
Pledge accreditation.
17 February 2025
Fuel Research is proud to join the SME Climate Hub, a global initiative empowering small and medium-sized companies to take climate action and build more resilient businesses. By joining the SME Climate Hub, we are committed to reducing our environmental impact through meaningful action, with a goal of halving our emissions by 2030.
As part of the SME Climate Commitment, we have also joined the UN Climate Change High-Level Champion’s Race to Zero campaign.
Join the community at www.smeclimatehub.org
9 January 2025
We are delighted to be recognised as a Disability Confident employer by DWP, registration number DCS044921.
#DisabilityConfident
