Our services
Vaere Social is a specialist social sustainability, social planning and social research consultancy committed to planning better communities. We combine a deep understanding of people and place with broad sustainability principles, underpinned by academic rigour and the latest research, to get to the heart of communities.
We provide customised, high-quality analysis tailored to your unique project needs. Each report is meticulously crafted to deliver actionable insights—grounded in social planning, policy principles, and a commitment to fostering inclusive, resilient communities.
Our services include:
social impact assessment
social infrastructure needs assessment
social research and analysis
social policy review and impact analysis
demographic and social trends analysis
survey development and analysis
tailored advice for neurodivergent-inclusive planning outcomes and processes.
If you like what you see on this page, we would love to be in contact with you. As a neurodivergent-friendly consultancy, please feel free to communicate however makes you comfortable:
You will reach Liesl Codrington directly at any of these links. She would love to learn more about you and your needs so we can work out the best way to help you make better places for people in your communities.
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We deliver research-backed insights and analysis to support policy development and review. From aged care provision to inclusive urban planning, our policy services guide effective, aligned decision-making for both government and private sector clients.
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We conduct detailed assessments to evaluate the social impacts of developments, policies, and initiatives. Our assessments reveal both immediate and long-term impacts, providing clear recommendations that contribute to positive social outcomes.
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We design and undertake social research, tailored to your needs. This can be standalone research or inputs into a broader SIA or project.
From the social impacts of climate change to accessibility in public spaces, our research addresses some of today’s most pressing social challenges. We develop insights and innovative solutions aimed at fostering resilience, inclusivity, and sustainability.
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Understanding a population's unique characteristics and service needs is crucial for effective social policy. Our assessments offer in-depth insights into demographics, service gaps, and the needs of diverse populations, such as neurodivergent individuals and ageing communities.
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We work with urban planners, property developers, architects, local government, policy makers and community organisations to help create environments where neurodivergent people feel seen, valued and included. We undertake research, provide design review and audits and provide strategic advice and policy development regarding inclusion for neurodivergent people.
Our Services
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Social policy and advisory
We bring our expertise to partner with you in developing insightful, practical, and impactful social policies that address real community needs and foster positive change.
As specialists in social policy analysis, we combine our in-depth knowledge of social trends with a strong commitment to evidence-based advisory services. Our approach begins with a thorough understanding of the policy context through targeted desktop research and demographic analysis, ensuring that each recommendation is rooted in both local and sector-wide insights.
We use qualitative and quantitative methods to assess policy effectiveness, identify potential gaps, and provide clear, actionable advice. We focus on developing policy frameworks that respond to the needs of diverse populations—from aged care, housing, health, education, social infrastructure and beyond.
In addition to policy advisory, we capture and meaningfully report on social impacts, providing rigorous assessments that inform sustainable decision-making across projects and sectors. Whether you’re refining existing policies or exploring new initiatives, we offer the clarity and technical rigour needed to create policies that make a measurable difference.
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Social impact assessment
Our social impact assessments (SIAs) are designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of how developments and initiatives influence communities, ensuring that projects not only meet regulatory requirements but also contribute positively to local wellbeing.
We are committed to thorough, objective analysis and assess a wide range of potential impacts, including changes to social cohesion, access to services, housing needs, and community character. Our approach incorporates both qualitative and quantitative research to capture the direct and indirect effects of projects, prioritising a balanced view of benefits and potential challenges.
Each assessment begins with a careful review of the local context and demographic landscape, enabling us to anticipate impacts on diverse groups and community settings. We consult relevant stakeholders to understand and integrate their perspectives, ensuring the assessment reflects real community values and aspirations. Through detailed reporting, we translate complex data into clear insights that inform decision-making and foster transparency.
Our SIAs support responsible planning and development, helping to achieve sustainable, resilient outcomes that align with state and community goals for social wellbeing, safety, and inclusivity.
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Social research & survey design
We provide customised social research and survey analysis to uncover insights that drive informed and impactful decisions. Guided by a deep curiosity about people and populations, we are dedicated to understanding the complex social patterns, behaviors, and attitudes that shape communities. Our focus on social sustainability and social impact allows us to deliver research that aligns with contemporary priorities in social policy, public health, and community development.
Our expertise spans both qualitative and quantitative methods, utilising tools such as demographic analysis, longitudinal studies, and surveys to collect and interpret data. We excel in designing evidence-based surveys that address nuanced questions, such as assessing community sentiment, understanding barriers to access, or evaluating social infrastructure needs. Each project is approached with precision, applying tailored methodologies to yield reliable and relevant data.
Whether you aim to gauge public attitudes, evaluate the social impact of a development project, or explore emerging trends affecting specific populations, our approach is grounded in rigorous analysis and stakeholder engagement. From initial research design to data collection and interpretation, we partner with you at every step to ensure the research captures critical data and translates it into actionable insights.
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Demographic and social trend analysis
Understanding the shifting dynamics of populations is essential for effective planning and policy development. At Vaere Social, we offer specialised demographic and social trends analysis to help you anticipate changes, adapt strategies, and make informed, future-ready decisions.
Our expertise in demographic research is driven by a commitment to uncovering nuanced insights about communities, their needs, and the forces that shape them. We blend in-depth knowledge of social trends with rigorous data analysis to provide a clear picture of how factors like population growth, aging, migration, and socio-economic shifts impact communities and planning outcomes.
With experience in both quantitative and qualitative analysis, we work closely with you to explore questions that matter. Our tailored approach ensures that each analysis is directly relevant to your objectives, offering you meaningful data that supports long-term planning.
Whether you are seeking to refine policy initiatives, plan for social infrastructure, or simply stay ahead of emerging social trends, we partner with you from start to finish. We design and deliver insightful, actionable findings that translate complex demographic data into clear, strategic direction for your projects.
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Placemaking & place-based design
We help you build communities around place. We approach placemaking through a place-based, people-focused lens that inspires people to see “place” as the heart of their community.
Through values-led visioning and collaboration, we strengthen the connection between people and the places they share.
Our approach combines social research, creative engagement, and strategic design to ensure public spaces foster connection, identity and a sense of belonging for all community members.
Our services include community-led placemaking, research and insights into place and behaviours, design for inclusion and connection, and strategic advice and policy development.
Ultimately, placemaking creates quality public spaces that support social interaction, creativity and wellbeing. By putting people at the heart of design and activation, placemaking can foster connection, promote inclusion, revitalise space and enhance community identity.
At Vaere Social, we believe in the power of place to bring people together, foster identity, and create thriving communities. Whether you are revitalising a park, planning a town centre, or activating public spaces, we can help you achieve meaningful and lasting outcomes.
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Neurodivergent community
We provide bespoke consulting services to ensure that the needs of neurodivergent people are meaningfully integrated into urban development and built form spaces. Drawing on evidence-based research and creative engagement methodologies, our services are tailored to help clients create inclusive, accessible, and welcoming environments that consider the unique sensory, cognitive, and spatial experiences of neurodivergent individuals.
We work with urban planners, property developers, architects, local government, policy makers and community organisations to help create environments where neurodivergent people feel seen, valued and included. We undertake research, provide design review and audits and provide strategic advice and policy development.
Whether you are planning a new development, retrofitting an existing space, or seeking strategic advice, Vaere Social can help you design spaces that work for everyone.
Liesl is currently working on a self-funded research project that examines how neurodivergent people experience public spaces and what we can do to more adequately plan for and include this community in our processes and design inclusively.