Verian Group has emerged as a dynamic force in public policy, research, and evidence-based advisory services. Once known as Kantar Public, the organisation rebranded as Verian to mark a bold new era of independence and purpose. Its central goal is simple yet profound — to power decisions that shape the world through trustworthy evidence, clear insight, and effective communication.
This article explores Verian Group’s journey, from its origins and rebranding to its global influence, services, and the values that define it. Written in clear and professional UK English, this account aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of what makes Verian Group an influential player in the field of public sector consultancy and social research.
From Kantar Public to Verian: A Rebirth of Identity
Verian’s story begins with Kantar Public, a long-standing division of the Kantar Group that specialised in government and public sector research. In 2022, this division was acquired by the private equity firm Trilantic Europe, signalling a shift toward independence and renewed strategic direction. The transaction laid the groundwork for the transformation that would follow.
In November 2023, the company officially rebranded to Verian. The new name was inspired by the Latin word “veritas,” meaning truth, symbolising the organisation’s mission to provide evidence rooted in honesty, integrity, and scientific accuracy. The rebranding was more than a name change — it represented a cultural and operational shift toward becoming a standalone, globally focused organisation dedicated entirely to public value and social impact.
The leadership also evolved during this transition. Dr Michelle Harrison, who had been the Global CEO of Kantar Public, became President of Verian and Chair of the newly founded Institute for Public Impact. This move reflected Verian’s ambition not just to serve clients but also to shape the wider public policy landscape through thought leadership and collaboration.
Mission, Vision, and Core Values
Verian Group’s mission can be summarised in one powerful phrase: Powering decisions that shape the world. This reflects a commitment to delivering insights that improve governance, strengthen institutions, and help societies thrive.
Its vision revolves around connecting evidence and action. Verian seeks to close the gap between research and real-world impact, ensuring that policy decisions are informed by accurate data, thoughtful analysis, and an understanding of human behaviour.
The company’s core values guide its approach:
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Objectivity and Integrity: Every piece of research is designed to be unbiased, accurate, and transparent.
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Public Purpose: The organisation prioritises work that benefits communities and enhances social outcomes.
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Collaboration: Verian brings together experts from diverse disciplines and cultural backgrounds to co-create solutions.
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Inclusivity: The company strives to represent the voices of those often excluded from policy discussions.
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Excellence: From data collection to strategy design, quality underpins every stage of its work.
These principles help Verian maintain a strong reputation for reliability, trustworthiness, and ethical research.
Core Areas of Expertise
Verian Group provides a range of interconnected services covering the entire public policy cycle — from generating evidence to influencing public behaviour. Each area contributes to shaping informed decisions at local, national, and international levels.
Evidence and Research
Research is the foundation of Verian’s work. The company designs and delivers complex studies using quantitative, qualitative, and data-driven methods. It conducts large-scale social surveys, behavioural experiments, and longitudinal studies that track change over time. By combining traditional research techniques with modern data analytics, Verian offers governments and institutions a clear picture of societal trends and challenges.
Policy Development and Evaluation
Verian supports clients in developing effective policies and evaluating their outcomes. The firm applies frameworks such as theory of change, impact evaluation, and behavioural science to test what works and why. It helps clients design pilot programmes, assess performance, and adapt policies based on measurable results. This evidence-based cycle ensures that public initiatives deliver real benefits to citizens.
Behavioural Science and Communication
Human behaviour plays a crucial role in the success of public policies. Verian’s behavioural scientists design interventions that encourage positive change, such as improving health behaviours, increasing civic participation, or promoting sustainability. The company also helps clients develop communication strategies and public campaigns that effectively reach diverse audiences and drive meaningful engagement.
Political and Opinion Research
Verian conducts opinion polling, electoral analysis, and sentiment tracking to help governments and institutions understand public attitudes. This information enables decision-makers to design policies that align with citizens’ needs and expectations. The firm’s experience in political research adds depth to its understanding of democratic processes and voter behaviour.
Global Presence and Organisational Structure
Verian Group operates across multiple continents, including Europe, Asia-Pacific, and North America. It maintains offices in several major cities, enabling local engagement while benefiting from global expertise. Its networked structure allows for consistent quality standards and knowledge-sharing across regions.
In the United Kingdom, Verian Group UK Limited serves as a key operational hub, registered in London. The UK entity focuses on large-scale social research, public service evaluation, and statistical analysis for government departments and non-profit organisations. Similar offices in Europe and Asia contribute regional insights tailored to their specific political and cultural contexts.
The company employs several hundred professionals, including researchers, policy specialists, data analysts, and communication experts. This diverse team reflects Verian’s multidisciplinary approach, combining social science, economics, and technology to solve complex public challenges.
Leadership and Strategic Direction
Under the guidance of experienced leaders, Verian continues to expand its influence. The leadership team includes experts with backgrounds in research, public administration, and social innovation. Their collective vision is to position Verian as a global partner for evidence-based governance and sustainable development.
The establishment of the Institute for Public Impact marks an important milestone. This initiative functions as a think-tank and convening platform, designed to promote dialogue between policymakers, academics, and civil society. Through this institute, Verian aims to inspire innovation, share best practices, and foster collaboration across sectors.
Recent Achievements and Projects
Verian’s portfolio includes high-impact projects across various sectors. Although much of its work is confidential due to client agreements, several initiatives have been publicly recognised.
One well-known example is the Reykjavik Index for Leadership, a global measure of gender equality in leadership perceptions. Another is the Voice of Ukraine project, which gathers data on the experiences of displaced citizens affected by the war. Verian has also conducted numerous national surveys on topics such as health, education, environment, and social inclusion.
These projects demonstrate Verian’s ability to translate evidence into action, combining statistical precision with empathy and cultural understanding.
Strengths and Competitive Advantages
Verian Group’s success rests on several distinctive strengths:
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Proven Legacy: The company inherits decades of credibility and technical expertise from Kantar Public.
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Integrated Model: Its holistic approach — blending research, evaluation, behaviour change, and communication — sets it apart from traditional consultancies.
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Global Reach: With offices worldwide, Verian can handle international studies while respecting local contexts.
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Ethical Commitment: Integrity, transparency, and objectivity remain at the core of every engagement.
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Mission-Driven Work: Its focus on public value rather than commercial marketing gives it a unique identity in the consulting world.
Challenges and Future Risks
Despite its achievements, Verian faces a number of challenges common to global consultancies. Transitioning from Kantar Public to Verian required careful management to maintain client confidence and continuity. The organisation must also navigate intense competition from large management consultancies and specialist research firms.
Other potential challenges include fluctuating government budgets, geopolitical instability, and the need to continuously innovate in data science and research technology. Maintaining methodological excellence across diverse markets will be key to sustaining growth.
Organisational Culture and Employee Experience
Verian describes its culture as purpose-driven and inclusive. Employees are encouraged to pursue professional development while contributing to work that matters. The company’s values emphasise respect, collaboration, and honest dialogue. Staff describe Verian as a place where research meets real-world impact, offering opportunities to influence national and international policy decisions.
The workplace environment promotes diversity and equal opportunity. With experts from different disciplines and backgrounds, Verian fosters a culture of learning and curiosity that strengthens both its internal community and external credibility.
Strategic Outlook and Future Plans
Looking ahead, Verian Group is expected to focus on five strategic priorities:
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Brand Consolidation: Reinforcing the Verian identity after the rebrand and clarifying its distinction from Kantar.
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Global Expansion: Strengthening its presence in emerging markets across Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
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Digital Innovation: Investing in advanced data analytics, artificial intelligence, and modern survey technologies.
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Partnership Development: Building stronger collaborations with governments, NGOs, and academic institutions.
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Impact Measurement: Demonstrating tangible social and policy outcomes to reinforce client trust.
By pursuing these goals, Verian aims to become the world’s leading evidence-driven advisory partner for the public sector.
Why Verian Group Matters
In an age where misinformation and political polarisation threaten public trust, organisations like Verian play a critical role. Their work ensures that policy decisions are based on facts rather than ideology, helping societies become more transparent, equitable, and resilient.
For governments, Verian offers the ability to craft better policies grounded in real data. For citizens, it provides a voice in how those policies are designed and evaluated. For researchers and practitioners, it represents a hub of professional excellence and purpose.
Conclusion
Verian Group stands as a symbol of integrity, innovation, and impact in public policy research. From its transformation out of Kantar Public to its independent identity today, the organisation has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to using evidence for the common good. Its work bridges the gap between knowledge and action, ensuring that data leads to decisions that truly benefit people.
As Verian continues to expand globally, its mission remains constant — to power decisions that shape the world. Through research, evaluation, communication, and behavioural insight, it is helping build a more informed, inclusive, and effective future for societies everywhere.
