I offer help, if needed, to design your research

Complex research problems require imaginative and innovative research designs. I offer a research design service, if needed, including scoping of literature and proposal development, to help you work out how to get the answers you require.

Methodological expertise

I have interviewed literally hundreds of people of all ages and backgrounds, with projects typically involving marginalised groups and sensitive subject matter.

My qualitative expertise includes: individual interviews (narrative; depth; semi-structured); focus groups; observation; ethnographic studies; creative methods; co-production/ involvement and building learning alliances; stakeholder and other workshops.

Support with ethics and research governance

I can advise on, or manage, applications to ethics committees, NHS R&D, etc. I have experience of managing applications for complex studies with multiple-phases over many years. This includes successful applications that have used innovative and creative approaches (e.g., ethnography in trials). 

Analytic excellence

I have a reputation for excellence in qualitative data generation, analysis and writing. My analytic and writing services are frequently requested by teams who have already generated data.

I work closely with teams to develop high-quality analysis and outputs.

Qualitative research in evaluation

Qualitative research methods can help you gain an in-depth understanding, often from multiple perspectives, of ‘what works, for whom, in what contexts’. I have led the qualitative component of several longitudinal research studies, so I have experience of all stages of evaluation, from design to creating study outputs. Please arrange a chat if I can help you with any stage of your evaluation.

Randomised Controlled & Feasibility Trials

I started evaluating NHS ‘Care as Usual’ against other interventions in 2009. As an academic I led a number of qualitative studies nested within large-scale trials (RCT and feasibility) that aimed to improve Primary Care, Cancer Care, Midwifery, Alcohol and Drug Services and patient wellbeing. As a freelancer I have gained lots of experience of evaluating social care services.

Developing and refining interventions

Qualitative methods can be used to ‘tweak’ or fine tune a new approach or service, when it is at the early stage of development. I have experience of consulting different stakeholders on their views, which can be used to inform different iterations, that helps to create a service, approach, or technology that is acceptable to people, and the staff delivering them, and works in the context of their everyday lives/ organisation.

Process evaluation

I follow Medical Research Council (MRC) guidance for process evaluation and other best practice guidance for evaluation (e.g., The government’s Green Book and Nesta guidance).