How we work

OPM has an international reputation for combining analytical rigour with practical know-how. This enables us to collaborate on client engagements with many of the leading names in policy development and the management of change, including global consulting companies and major financial institutions. We also have a strong track record in managing large, long-term and complex projects, as well as the ability to provide specialist inputs on projects led by other parties.

There are three aspects of how we work that distinguish OPM from other companies.

• First, we are able to link research findings with practical experience to provide intellectually rigorous policy advice.
• Second, OPM has a large core of full-time staff and Associates who ensure quality and the delivery of a distinctive OPM product .
• Third, OPM has a well-tested project cycle management system and extensive experience of managing large, complex projects, including projects that involve short-term inputs from a consultant panel and combine international with local expertise.

The way we work encourages the growth of knowledge throughout the company, our clients and the wider development community:

• OPM is a learning environment. We learn from our work, from each other and from the people we work for to deepen our understanding of development policies and processes and so improve the effectiveness of what we do.
• We share our knowledge by placing as many as possible of our reports and other products in the public domain to support the work of others who share our objectives.

Our management approach delivers quality and integrity:

• Our management approach focuses on the achievement of successful outputs rather than on the supply of inputs. Our working arrangements, which are flexible and tailored to the needs of clients and staff, reflect this.
• We strive to achieve the highest standards of quality and integrity in everything we do. Our staff as individuals, and our management systems, are orientated towards this.
• We seek to conduct our activities in ways that have positive external effects on the wider social and physical environments. Where adverse effects do occur, we try to minimise and where appropriate offset them.