Types of research

How NEST conducts research

NEST uses many research methods with different audiences. This gives us a complete picture of the needs of our members, the employers who use us and our place in the workplace pension schemes market.

Conducting surveys

NEST carries out surveys with employers and potential members.

We use small scale, in-depth surveys to look at specific topics in detail. We also use large-scale surveys to gather data from larger samples to help us get representative views from our audiences.

External research

Research conducted by other organisations can help us in a number of areas, including forecasting work on key issues. These issues include how many employers will choose NEST and how many people will join the scheme.

Research panels

We have two research panels, one representing workers and one representing employers.

These research panels gather representative views from across the UK and are managed by an independent market research agency acting on NEST’s behalf.

Each panel has around 1,000 participants. We consult with them on issues such as developing our investment approach, designing our website and the way we communicate with employers and members.