About us

Ian Clark established Iconic in early 2012. The aim was simple: to provide the highest quality social research and exceptional value for money for public and third sector clients.

Having worked for over a decade with some of Scotland’s biggest social research consultancies, Ian knew what good social research and evaluation was and how important the findings could be. However, he also knew that public sector organisations and charities were facing ever increasing pressures on their budgets. In establishing Iconic, Ian set out to deliver real value for money without compromising, at all, on quality. He wanted Iconic clients to be reassured they would benefit from his extensive experience, skills and commitment to quality social research. Ian is personally involved in all our projects, normally consulting project participants and partner organisations or analysing data. This is what makes Iconic different.

Our team

Ian Clark is the founding director of Iconic. He started his career as a social researcher with Newcastle City Council in 1995 before moving into consultancy in 2000 with DTZ Pieda Consulting in Edinburgh. He was part of the senior management team that established Tribal Consulting's presence in Scotland in 2004. Following spells with RPS and Blake Stevenson he established Iconic in early 2012. Ian is a longstanding member of UK Evaluation Society, Social Research Association and Society for the Study of Addiction. He has a MA with Distinction in Urban Policy & Development and a University Certificate with Distinction in Drug & Alcohol Studies. He was a trustee of Fife Gingerbread for over seven years including an 18 month spell as Chair overseeing the organisation's support for lone parents and families in need across Fife.

In early 2017, Amber Imran joined Iconic. She is a skilled and experienced social researcher - she has a MSc with Merit in Social Research Methods and is a member of the Social Research Association. Amber has a background in community learning and development and previously worked as a Research Assistant with the School of Education, Social Work and Community Education at the University of Dundee.

In addition, we have a very select group of associates who support our work when needed. They provide specialist expertise as well as additional capacity to ensure we can handle bigger jobs for the likes of the Scottish Government and NHS Scotland. We are always interested in hearing from potential associates, if you think you have something to offer please get in touch.