About me
Since 2000, I have worked on over 80 research and evaluation projects of differing scales as a researcher within academic and commercial organisations, as well as on a freelance basis. I have carried out work on behalf of a variety of funders, including central government departments; local government/public sector bodies; and charitable and community organisations. I am experienced in the use of both qualitative and quantitative methods, including surveys (print and online), interviews, focus groups and arts-based methods. I have also worked as a school librarian and a tutor within the FE/adult education sector.
Key skills
Research and evaluation design: evaluation frameworks, research methodologies, theory of change
Qualitative research and evaluation methods: interviews (face-to-face, phone, online), observational methods, focus groups, case studies, arts-based/creative methods
Quantitative research and evaluation methods: online and paper-based surveys; descriptive and correlational analysis
Facilitation skills: focus groups, co-production, training, action research, research mentoring
Writing skills: reports, guidelines, toolkits, literature reviews, teaching/training resources
Digital research skills: online survey packages (e.g. SurveyMonkey, Online Surveys, QuestionPro), data analysis packages (e.g. NVivo, SPSS)
Qualifications
PGDE Skills for Life (Numeracy), University of Bolton, 2009
PhD History, University of Wolverhampton (part-time), 2007
MA Nineteenth Century Studies (Literature & History), University College Worcester (part-time), 2001
Diploma in Statistics, Open University (part-time), 2001
BSc(Econ) Information & Library Studies (First), University of Wales, Aberystwyth (part-time), 2000
Employment history
May 2019 onwards - Freelance evaluator/researcher
Jan 2013 – Jul 2021 - Research Associate, Manchester Metropolitan University
Apr 2012 – Jul 2013 & Feb 2008-June 2009 - Freelance evaluator/researcher
Apr 2012 – Dec 2012 - Research Project Officer, National Union of Students
Feb 2011 – Mar 2012 - Research Associate, University of Leicester
June 2010 – Jan 2011 - Research Associate, Loughborough University
June 2009 – June 2010 - Visiting Lecturer, Oldham College
Sept 2000 – Feb 2008 - Research Fellow, Evidence Base, Birmingham City University
Apr 1998 – Sept 2000 - Librarian, Prince Henry’s High School, Evesham
Sept 1994 – Apr 1998 - Librarian, Brownhills High School, Stoke-on-Trent