TRL has joined the Crown Commercial Service (CCS) Contract Framework for Behavioural Science Support, helping to ensure the UK’s transport system becomes safer and greener.

The inclusion of TRL on the framework will make it easier for the Government to use behavioural science insights to drive change

Human behaviours are seen as a key pillar in the safe systems approach to modernise and future-proof the transportation of goods and people, and the framework provides a simplified procurement route to TRL’s consultants.

The deal also includes a partnership with the Behavioural Insights Team (BIT), extending the depth and breadth of their combined specialist skills. The Behavioural Science

Although the framework can be used by any public body, it is broadly used by the Department for Transport (DfT) for supporting the defining and scoping of behavioural challenges and opportunities that impact on policy needs, and in particular in identifying behavioural barriers and motivators.

BIT and TRL will be able to support a range of activities, including using robust primary research and evidence to assist DfT in developing tailored policy options, and novel interventions to underpin their policy decisions; designing and assessing the potential effectiveness of behavioural interventions; and advising on relevant policy challenges from a behavioural science perspective.

Kate Greenslade, consultancy lead at TRL for the Behaviour team, said: “Participating in this framework makes it simpler for government to access the skills of the Behavioural Insights Team alongside the transport domain knowledge from TRL as a way to effect positive change through the application of behavioural sciences.”