Independent consultant providing research, advice, and training in evidence-informed policy and practice, for clients in public, university and NGO sectors, including the International Public Policy Observatory, Transforming Evidence, What Works Wellbeing, Campbell Collaboration, Evidence Quarter, Durham University, CAPE, C40 Cities, Motability, and the Centre for Homelessness Impact.

The Policy Fellowship created a series of five rapid reviews on topics needed by the House of Commons select committees. This pilot project tested different how to apply systematic review synthesis methods to policy demand. A partnership between Capabilities in Academic Policy Engagement (CAPE), International Public Policy Observatory (IPPO) and Parliamentary Office for Science and Technology (POST), the Fellowship produced freely available templates and a commissioning guide for policymakers wanting to do rigorous rapid reviews of research.

Fixed-term contract in the Open Innovation Team, a cross-government unit. We provide a consultancy service for our customers in government. This involves working with academics and others to research and explain the latest evidence on topics we’ve been asked to look at, and we provide advice on what this evidence means for policy. We also provide engagement via workshops, seminars, visits, conferences and networking events that bring officials and outside experts together to share insights and ideas. We also work with leading thinkers to generate, develop and test new ideas that our customers might like to take forward.

I designed, developed, and led the Alliance for Useful Evidence network from its creation in 2012. The Alliance is an open network championing the smarter use of evidence in policy and practice providing a focal point for the evidence agenda, fostering collaboration, knowledge sharing and debate, raising the quality of both the supply of research and the demand for it.I grew the body from two part-time staff to a team of twelve, increased membership to 5,000 individual policymakers, researchers, and charity leaders, and won external funding from a diverse portfolio, including £8.5m of grants and consultancy from government, public bodies, and foundations. Over eight years, one key priority was to convene different groups and individuals across disciplines and policy areas, such as 2016 Evidence Works global forum of policymakers from 40 different countries. This produced thought leadership with practical insights and tips on evidence use and production, with over 20 thought-leadership reports, guides, toolkits, position statements, and book chapters. We also provided support and advice to other organisations, such as helping to launch 9 UK What Works Centres, including the incubation of the Department for Education’s £10m What Works Children’s Social Care. Another goal was to grow the skills and knowledge of evidence-consumers and commissioners, and I set up and developed content for Evidence Masterclasses for UK Civil Service Policy Profession, that has now been rolled out to 30 UK government departments, public bodies, the House of Commons/Lords, and international organisations. I built strategic partnerships and won support from wide range of bodies including the European Commission, Joseph Rowntree Foundation, NSPCC, NICE, Carnegie UK Trust, Wellcome Trust, Department for Education, Nuffield Foundation, and others.

Director of the UK’s strategic funding body for research in the arts and humanities with a budget of c.£110m, an arms-length body sponsored by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills. Lead directorate of 12 staff covering public policy, communications, public affairs, evaluation and evidence. Established a new policy function for the AHRC and developed innovative ideas and new approaches to influence policy. Gave direction and strategic leadership across the AHRC’s externally facing activities.

Responsible for policy, public affairs, and communications for the world's largest learned body for geography supporting research and education. Developed and implemented communications strategies. Ran press office and grew press coverage including regular positive front-page news stories or leader. Project-managed major digital project, transforming website and membership commnication. Drafted proactive policy inputs including commissioning research, running consultations and chairing policy steering groups. Organised national campaigns and networks of stakeholders on education and research issues.

Head of external relations for the national academy for the humanities and social sciences. Wrote and implemented the organisation’s first communications plan and built proactive media relations. Set up a series of popular public events, book prizes and online debates. Forged partnerships to develop a web service of research to over 1,800 journalists across Europe.

Press officer on higher education for national and trade media, including launch of tuition fees. Policy development and managing consultations of all universities on research issues. .