TD Research Labs
Research. Intelligence. Evidence into action.
Independent thinking. Evidence-led analysis. Practical solutions.
TD Research Labs is the research and intelligence arm of TD Training and Consultancy, specialising in drug and alcohol use, addiction, public health, harm reduction and associated social challenges.
We combine specialist sector knowledge, research methods, critical evidence appraisal and advanced analytical technologies to investigate complex questions, identify emerging risks and turn research into practical intelligence.
Our work supports local authorities, public health teams, drug and alcohol commissioners, treatment providers, housing services and other organisations seeking a clearer understanding of need, risk, service performance and opportunities for improvement.
We go beyond reporting what is happening. We investigate why it may be happening, examine competing explanations and identify what the evidence can realistically support.
What we do
1. Applied research and investigation
We investigate complex issues affecting drug and alcohol services, public health and communities.
Our research covers drug-related deaths, patterns of substance use, emerging drugs, polysubstance exposure, treatment effectiveness, service accessibility and inequalities in health and harm.
We critically assess published evidence, examine available data, test alternative explanations and distinguish established findings from emerging signals and unresolved questions.
2. UK drug trends and intelligence
Through our UK Drug Trends Intelligence programme, we monitor and interpret developments in drug markets, patterns of use, drug-related harms and emerging public health risks.
We produce intelligence reports, evidence briefings, professional publications and practical guidance designed to help organisations understand changing conditions and respond appropriately.
3. Commissioned research and service improvement
We work with commissioners, local authorities and service providers to investigate specific local questions and operational challenges.
Our work can include local needs analysis, evidence reviews, service assessments, evaluation frameworks, treatment pathway reviews and the development of evidence-informed recommendations.
The objective is to provide clear, proportionate findings that support commissioning, strategic planning, quality improvement and resource allocation.
4. Research publications and professional resources
We translate complex research into accessible, practical resources for frontline workers, managers, commissioners and decision-makers.
Our growing publication portfolio includes specialist reports, evidence summaries, practitioner guides, treatment tools, implementation resources and strategic briefings.
The benefits of working with TD Research Labs
- Better-informed decisions: Research and intelligence that help commissioners and managers make transparent, defensible choices.
- Earlier identification of risks: Greater awareness of emerging substances, changing patterns of use and potential threats to public health.
- Stronger commissioning and service planning: Evidence to inform priorities, resource allocation, service specifications and improvement programmes.
- Research translated into practice: Accessible findings, professional publications and practical tools that support frontline responses.
- Independent critical analysis: Examination of competing explanations, evidence limitations and assumptions rather than simply reinforcing established views.
- Continuity and specialist support: Access to ongoing intelligence, targeted investigations and research-informed advice as local needs evolve.
Research partnerships and ongoing support
Organisations increasingly need more than an occasional needs assessment or consultancy report. They need access to current intelligence, reliable evidence analysis and specialist support as circumstances change.
TD Research Labs offers tailored research and intelligence partnerships, including annual arrangements that can combine local analysis, regular briefings, access to professional resources, strategic consultation and optional workforce development.
Our approach is flexible, proportionate and designed around the needs of each organisation.
Speak to Us
Have a question that needs investigating? A service challenge that needs clearer evidence? Or a commissioning decision that would benefit from independent analysis?
Contact TD Consultancy to discuss commissioned research, UK drug trends intelligence, service improvement projects or an ongoing research partnership.
Contact Us