TRL has joined the Crown Commercial Service (CCS) Contract Framework for Behavioural Science Support. As a part of this, TRL has formed a partnership with the Behavioural Insights Team (BIT) extending the depth and breadth of their combined specialist skills. The Behavioural Science framework provides a simplified procurement route to TRL’s consultants. Human behaviours are a key pillar in the safe systems approach to modernise and future-proof the transportation of goods and people.
Although the framework can be used by any public body, it is broadly used by the Department for Transport (DfT) for supporting the defining and scoping of behavioural challenges and opportunities that impact on policy needs, and in particular in identifying behavioural barriers and motivators. The scope of activities that BIT and TRL can support include using robust primary research and evidence to assist DfT in developing tailored policy options, and novel interventions to underpin their policy decisions; designing and assessing the potential effectiveness of behavioural interventions; and advising on relevant policy challenges from a behavioural science perspective.
Commenting on this latest announcement, Kate Greenslade, Consultancy Lead at TRL for the Behaviour team, says: “Joining up with the Behavioural Insights Team means we can deliver a wide range of activities that all have at their heart the desire to enable the UK’s transport system to not only be an engine for economic growth, but also one that is greener and safer and improves quality of life in our communities. Participating in this framework makes it simpler for government to access the skills of the Behavioural Insights Team alongside the transport domain knowledge from TRL as a way to affect positive change through the application of behavioural sciences.”
The Behavioural Insights Team's focus is to create and apply behavioural awareness to drive positive change and help people, communities and organisations thrive. They do this by developing better systems, policies, products and services, and applying an evidence-based understanding of human behaviour to find out what works, for whom, and when.
“The intersection of our transport systems and human behaviour is pertinent to so many issues - from delivering net zero through electrification and modal shift, to trade and economic growth, to air pollution and public health, to the safety of seafarers” commented Toby Park, Principal Advisor at The Behavioural Insights Team. “We're excited to be working with TRL to provide cutting edge expertise and research methods in the behavioral and social sciences to help DfT deliver on its strategic goals over the coming few years”.
For more information about the framework please see: Research & Insights - CCS
More information about BI Team can be found at: www.bi.team
