Ed Dunn (Chair)

I have around 25 years’ experience in social research and analysis and am currently Senior Director in Population Studies at Verian. I lead the Verian offer in large scale population studies incorporating new technology and approaches to social research, whilst identifying opportunities where my deep expertise and the skills and experience of the Verian team can benefit the public good. I joined Verian in 2022 after more than 16 years at the Office for National Statistics where, as Deputy Director and Chief Social Researcher, I had led the 1,400 staff of Social Survey Division, the statistical design and production of the 2021 Census and the design and initiation of the world-renowned Covid Infection Study.

Beth Moon

In my current role at Ofgem I lead a programme of exciting and impactful research, helping to ensure better outcomes for energy consumers. My first role at the Office for National Statistics provided me with an excellent foundation in social research methods and over the last 15 years I’ve gained a wealth of experience applying social research within government. I’m also particularly passionate about applying behavioural science to knotty policy challenges. I’m keen to help social researchers develop themselves, their careers and support the industry, and with the challenges that the pandemic has presented for everyone, I can’t think of a better time to do it.

CJ Marshall

CJ has worked in communications, PR, and public affairs roles in think tanks and charities across health and social care.

His academic background is in Law and International Law, and he is completing a doctorate in policing, crime, and security. A qualitative researcher, he is part of the Met’s Research and Evidence-based Policing Group, providing insight for innovative projects with universities and academic institutes. CJ is a Fellow of the Police Foundation, the UK’s only policing think tank, and a Research Affiliate at the University of Leeds ESRC Vulnerability & Policing Futures Research Centre. He has been a Special Constable for 13 years and is now Special Assistant Chief Officer with responsibility for specialisms and pan-London operations. He is also Vice-Chair of CharityComms and the Association of Special Constabulary Officers.

Daniel Stunell

Daniel has spent the last eleven years as a researcher, evaluator, and programme manager with both WRAP and Zero Waste Scotland, bringing a social science perspective to multi-disciplinary projects in the field of waste, energy, materials, and net zero evidence and policy development. In December he is moving to Eunomia Research and Consulting, where he will continue to work on projects focused on developing solutions to our climate and nature emergency that blend thinking about both the technical and societal changes needed.

India Thompson

India has a diverse background spanning frontline support, programme development, and social research supporting children, young people, and vulnerable adults. In her previous role at the NSPCC, she supported the design and implementation of several community-based programmes, focusing on trauma-informed approaches, youth participation, and online safety.

Currently, India is a Senior Research Assistant at the Centre for Evidence and Implementation (CEI), where she works across multiple sectors, including children’s services, integrated care, mental health, and education. She leads stakeholder engagement, participant recruitment, data collection and analysis, contributing to a range of evaluation and implementation projects aimed at driving evidence-based social change.

Joy Dobbs

Recently retired, I have had a long career in social research and statistics. I worked for more than 30 years at the Office for National Statistics, initially specialising in social survey research and then leading four different Divisions, covering large-scale statistical operations and in-depth analysis and reporting. In 2008, I was seconded to the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) as lead researcher on a project measuring public service outcomes, leading to a second career as an NCVO Associate and self-employed consultant for the charitable sector. Since 2009, I have been a trustee with local infrastructure charities. I hope to use my social research and trustee experience to help the SRA promote the practice and use of social research.

Kirstie Hewlett

I am a Research Fellow at the Policy Institute, King’s College London, where I work across a wide range of social policy areas, with interests in inequalities, social division and equality of opportunity, and the role of values, emotion, trust and identity in policy making. I typically work on mixed methods studies, bringing specific expertise in survey design, qualitative research methods and deliberative approaches. I’m delighted to be working to support the SRA as Treasurer and Trustee, bringing previous experience as Treasurer for the Society for Music Analysis and a commitment to diversifying pathways into social research and improving opportunities for early career researchers.

Laura Wilson

I am an expert qualitative researcher with over 17 years' industry experience in social research. I joined the Office for National Statistics in 2008, where I began my career in research and have remained since. My roles have included designing and developing official government surveys and leading good practice for Research and Data Collection in the UK Government Data Quality Hub.

I am passionate about ensuring data are collected accurately at source and bringing respondent needs to the forefront of survey design. In 2022, I co-authored Respondent Centred Surveys; Stop, Listen and then Design, which combines Social Research and User Experience Design methods. I am also a Certified User Experience expert by Nielsen Norman Group (NN/g).

Alongside my role at ONS, I consult on respondent-centred survey design and co-lead a training course on Respondent Centred Design methodology.

Lee Chan (Vice Chair)

I recently (Jan 2023) became Insight Lead within the Behavioural Science and Insights Unit at the UK Health Security Agency or UKHSA. It's my first time in the civil service after a highly varied research career across a number of sectors.

I started out in commercial market research as a graduate trainee, then became a consultant in stakeholder engagement, before moving into policy research for a local council and a charity.

Immediately prior to joining the civil service I was an interim behavioural insights manager at the Football Association where I project managed the evaluation of the impact of the 2022 Womens Euros and conducted other strategic research.

I like mixing methods and employing deliberative and participatory approaches, and have an interest in making research inclusive for those taking part and for researchers of different backgrounds.

I have been involved with the SRA for as long as I can remember, as a member and volunteer and most recently as a trustee. I want to help the SRA extend its reach to a diverse set of researchers and analysts who would benefit from the networking opportunities we can facilitate and from the knowledge it shares. I also want the SRA to give researchers from underrepresented groups a platform to promote their work.

Dr Rachel Hughes

At the heart of my career is a strong commitment to social justice and making a positive difference to people’s lives. I have over 20 years of experience working as a social researcher in Wales in both academia and the public sector, and in 2020, I founded Dotiau. My expertise is in undertaking and applying research and insight to a public policy environment. I am a Visiting Professor at Wrexham Glyndwr University and a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society. I am also a Parent Governor and Non-Executive Director of the Education Achievement Service for South East Wales. As the Chair of SRA Cymru, I am keen to develop our network in Wales and bring a devolved perspective to the Association.

Victoria Harkness

I have been working in social research for over 20 years, both client and agency side. I am currently Senior Director at The Social Agency, a boutique agency operating at the intersection of engagement, insight, and social action.

I am a mixed methodologist, working regularly with councils, charities, regulators, and central government clients. Before joining Basis Social, I was Head of Research and Evaluation at the National Citizen Service Trust and Research Director at Ipsos MORI and Thinks. I spent my early career in policy and research roles in London Local Government.

I am a Certified Member of the MRS, MRS Mentor, and a graduate of the University of Newcastle-upon-Tyne. A long-time supporter of the SRA, I am delighted to support their work as a Trustee

Lydia Marshall

I am a mixed‑methods researcher with extensive experience designing, leading and delivering research and evaluation projects, using approaches ranging from participatory research with young children to randomised controlled trials and large‑scale statistical analysis. As Director of Research at Oxford MeasurEd, I oversee a diverse programme of education research in the UK and low‑ and middle‑income countries, and lead a team of consultants. I am passionate about high‑quality research that helps partners understand impact and supports evidence‑informed decision‑making, and I look forward to contributing my leadership experience and diverse research background as a trustee of the SRA.