We rekindle trust and
humanity in public services
We help public service teams and leaders move through complexity into clarity, renewed energy and aligned action.
About Us
Who we are
We help public service teams and leaders move through complexity into clarity, renewed energy and aligned action. We work at the intersection of lived experience, rigorous analysis and change management to translate insight into confident decisions, clear momentum and practical change.
Our purpose
Our mission is to rebuild trust and humanity in public services by bringing lived experience and rigorous evidence into the heart of decision-making. We help to create the conditions for more open, kind and fair interactions, for everyone who delivers and uses these services.
Our track record
Since 2016 we have delivered over 50 projects across health, social care and SEND partnerships, supporting complex service redesign.
“It really is the little things - the sparks - that can go on to make all the difference. To people’s experiences, days and lives.”
— Sam Meikle, Founder of Spark the Difference
We can help you with:
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Inclusive, trauma-informed engagement across diverse communities
Best practice sampling and engagement across demographic groups, using blended qualitative and quantitative methods
Skilled facilitation of large-scale system-wide conversations and co-production events
Building trusted relationships across professionals, communities and policymakers
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Integrating qualitative insight with quantitative data, modelling and forecasting
Evaluations and learning reports, service modelling and service user journey mapping
Translating insight into business cases, commissioning specifications and delivery models
Clear, actionable reporting that supports confident executive decision-making
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Structured frameworks to embed co-production into governance, planning and commissioning cycles
Training and coaching for commissioners, clinical leaders and operational teams
Longer-term advisory support to strengthen internal capability and culture
What our clients say about us
“The focus of the work was on ‘what do families want and how do we use this information to drive service change’. The culmination of the work was a large service user/staff event where families and staff presented their stories and used co-design in real time to make changes to services. The event was inspiring and staff and families’ feedback was extremely positive.”
— NHS Trust Chief Executive
“The effort and passion they have displayed from start to finish has been very impressive. The insights and actionable feedback gained from this piece of work will be invaluable to the recommissioning process”
– Local Authority Commissioner
“This has only been possible by helping these managers build their skill and confidence and by giving them some powerful tools to work in this different way. The result has been remarkable. These practices now have thriving and positive relationships with their patient reps; and reps have come forward who are not the usual type – different ages and ethnicities.
— GP Confederation Chief Executive
Our commitments
Creating fairer, kinder and more open interactions starts with how we run our own business.
These are some of the ways we put our values into practice.
An accredited Living Wage Employer
People deserve to be paid fairly for their work. Spark the Difference became an accredited Living Wage Employer in January 2026, reflecting our commitment to treating people with care and respect.
Reducing our carbon footprint
We’ve measured our 2025 carbon footprint (with a baseline of 11.5 tCO₂e) and have created a plan to reduce our emissions. We’re using what we’ve learned to make more thoughtful choices about what we buy, how we travel and how we use our workspace.
Our aim is to reach net zero by 2040, prioritising emissions reductions.
We’ll review our progress annually and improve our measurement as better information becomes available.
