Brief History of NatCen’s Qualitative Research Unit NatCen’s Qualitative Research Unit (QRU) was founded in February 1985, by Jane Ritchie and a small band of colleagues. It seems inconceivable now to think of a time when little or no qualitative research was commissioned by central government. But this was the world into which Jane launched the QRU in the mid-eighties and in doing so she and others like her were considered to be the mavericks of the day. Though Jane’s background was in social survey research she witnessed the growing need for and utility of a different kind of evidence for the policy process. In its early years, the Unit faced the difficult challenge of convincing research commissioners that there was value in qualitative research and that it could usefully add to their evidence base. But the Unit quickly found allies in the broader community of social researchers and amongst intelligent commissioners of social research within government. During the 21 years that the QRU has been in existence, the profile of qualitative research in government commissioned social research has evolved significantly. The method is now both established and respected so much so that it forms an integral part of any credible research or evaluation programme. This is due in part to the work of Jane and others within the qualitative research community. However it is also arguable that the research requirements of policy makers have become increasingly more complex necessitating a broader range of investigative techniques. Indeed the value placed on qualitative research within government was underscored by the recent production by the Cabinet Office of a framework for the assessment of quality in qualitative evaluations, which was developed by Jane Ritchie, Liz Spencer (a senior member of the QRU in its early years) and members of the QRU. The Unit has also evolved in the past 21 years. Jane Ritchie herself retired from the QRU in 1998 and the Unit now benefits from the leadership of Jane Lewis, who continues to take the Unit from strength to strength. Many great researchers have moved through its ranks and the profile and success of the Unit today is a testament to the hard work, enthusiasm and skill that each has brought. Throughout its existence the QRU has produced important and groundbreaking qualitative research studies. It continues to strive to play a significant role in the policy world by providing useable, relevant research findings in areas that are challenging and require high quality work. The Unit’s portfolio of work includes research for a wide range of government departments covering very diverse policy areas. Subjects addressed in recent and current research projects include: evaluations of the Incapacity Benefit Reforms and the ‘On Track’ interventions with families, studies exploring the outcomes achieved by those engaging in treatment for drug dependency, the experiences of refugees who have recently arrived in the UK, the ethical requirements and priorities of research participants, and the use of ICT and digital resources in teaching and learning. The future for the Unit also looks exciting. As well as continuing to play an important role in providing evidence for government, the Unit aims to continue to influence the research world by being at the cutting edge of methodological development and training. A unique computerised method for analysing qualitative research data is being developed and a new suite of courses on qualitative research, each focused on developing expertise in specific aspects of the research process, has been launched this year. Through these activities the Unit aims to promote the quality and credibility of qualitative research in the worlds of research and policy.