Stakeholder Research

Overview

This contract is for a supplier to conduct of surveys to understand stakeholder perceptions of Ofgem and the duties that it carries out such as the energy transition. Ofgem requires the support of stakeholders to deliver its objectives and as part of this, the organisation needs to understand how stakeholders perceive Ofgem and the work it does. The energy market is becoming increasingly dynamic and continues to evolve, set against a backdrop of political change. Ofgem must respond at pace to these challenges. It will require more bespoke and regular insight as to how its stakeholders perceive it and the organisation's response towards the energy transition. Conducting primary research with Ofgem's stakeholders is a keyway that Ofgem obtains this insight. The research must explore and track stakeholder sentiment against key areas including Ofgem's strategic priorities, and strategic engagement objectives. Ofgem has undertaken stakeholder research every two years since 2016. This has primarily focused on quantitative reputational surveys to provide key tracking data, supplemented with in-depth qualitative interviews to focus on key findings and provide depth of insight. This approach has helped Ofgem understand stakeholder perceptions. The current two-year cycle surveys gives Ofgem a good overall view on headline trends, but it does not enable Ofgem to quickly ascertain the impact of any remedies or new policies introduced. Ofgem requires an agile and responsive approach to gather timely insight from our stakeholders. Ofgem therefore proposes to commission a draw down contract for stakeholder research with a single research agency to meet the demand for robust and agile stakeholder research. This will allow the research approach to flex, based on organisational needs.