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, or I can act as a critical friend suggesting ways you can develop your proposal.

Methodological expertise

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

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 feasibility and randomised controlled 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.

Perhaps you want to identify and develop themes that are grounded in participants’ accounts? Or you may want to use or adapt an existing theoretical framework to make sense of your evaluation data (e.g. CFIR or NPT)?

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’.

Randomised Controlled & Feasibility Trials

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).