I am responsible for research, insight, evaluation and monitoring of Rise’s work. I joined Rise in 2022 and manage a small team and work with colleagues and funders (including Sport England and Big Lottery Fund) to deliver research that illustrates the impact of our work, identifies issues and supports planning.
Research and insight support delivery Rise’s strategy by providing evidence to inform change and understand our impact on enabling healthier lives, reducing inequalities and strengthening communities through the power of physical activity.
I’m proud that we have great insight about socio-economic deprivation and inactivity across Northumberland, Tyne & Wear and County Durham to inform our work. I love working with colleagues and external partners to illustrate the positive impact of our work and the difference we can make – but also to understand the challenges we face and how we might address these.
Before joining Rise, I was a researcher at Northumbria University for 18 years where I worked across a wide range of areas. I also taught undergraduate and post-graduate students and gained a Post Graduate Certificate in Academic Practice. Before that, I worked at the children’s charity Barnardo’s evaluating their Sure Start programmes.
I enjoy exercise, gardening, reading and music. Most of all I enjoy being out and about with my partner – even more so if this includes food, a train ride, a boat trip and a look around a market or charity shop.