Profile AStri Policy research and consultancy group

AStri  Policy research and consultancy group
A reputable and independent firm, AStri Policy research and consultancy group has assisted public authorities, non-profits and social partners at national and sectoral level, providing expertise and advice on labour, employability and social security issues since 1992. Via policy research and consultancy services, we help clients to maximise the effectiveness of their policy measures and take stock of the fruit of their efforts. Our core mission is to make a contribution to sustainable labour force participation. We set great store by unequivocal agreements, collaboration with the client, and practical, useful reporting, combined with a knowledge and understanding of today’s social arena.

Themes
AStri’s expertise focuses on issues arising at the interface of labour, employability and social security. In this context, various themes can be distinguished, including:
• Social security
• Sickness absence and work disability
• Labour reintegration and participation
• Unemployment
• Sustainable employability
• Career and labour mobility
• Occupational health and safety
• Labour market and employment
• Target groups
• Labour conditions
• International aspects of labour, employability and social security

Our services
AStri’s services involve various forms of policy research: exploratory studies, quick scans, evaluation studies, monitoring, benchmarking, best practices and impact assessment.

AStri’s staff have extensive experience with various methods of qualitative and quantitative policy research: surveys (online and otherwise), data analysis (secondary analyses), telephone and face-to-face interviews, review of literature and case study research, focus groups, workshops, expert meetings and surveys conducted abroad/study trips.

AStri’s consultancy activities focus on both policy development, policy implementation and policy change. Our consultancy products involve: research-based recommendations, consultancy projects, international consultancy, workshops, training, development of (policy) instruments/toolkits, secretariat working groups. 

Team
AStri’s team represents a broad range of disciplines, including sociology, psychology, social medicine, economics, epidemiology, HRM and education. All staff have extensive knowledge of and are actively engaged with various national and international policy issues. In addition, the staff are able to empathise with the client and understand the client’s need for information.

Clients
In recent years, AStri has developed a highly diverse client base, including:
• Ministries – Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment (SZW); Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport (VWS); Ministry of Education, Culture and Science (OCW); Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations (BZK); Ministry of Economic Affairs (EZ)
• National labour and social insurance organisations – Employee Insurance Agency (UWV), Council for Work and Income (RWI), Work and Income Inspectorate (IWI), Healthcare Insurance Board (CvZ)
• International or foreign organisations (European Commission, The World Bank, International Social Security Association), as well as implementing bodies, ministries and advisory committees in various countries
• Sector organisations (social partners, sector funds)
• Municipal and provincial authorities
• Major organisations in both public and private sector

Quote
If you require further information about our services or a personalised quote, contact one of our Senior Policy Researchers/Advisors by phone or by email (see below).

AStri  Policy research and consultancy group
Stationsweg 26
2312 AV Leiden
The Netherlands
Phone +31 71 512 49 03
Email astri@astri.nl