Researchers
Margaret Giwa, Researcher
Margaret is an enthusiastic researcher with experience of primary and secondary data collection and data analysis. She has worked for a range of clients including the Central London Learning Skills Council, South East Business Link and the London Borough of Waltham Forest. Having worked in both the public and private sectors, she is a skilled communicator with well-developed interpersonal skills. Prior to joining Step Ahead, Margaret worked as a Project and Policy Officer contributing to funding bids for community and social inclusion projects, and broader community development activities.
Kate Grimes, Researcher
Kate is an experienced researcher with a strong understanding of both the public and private sectors. Having worked with a diverse range of clients on different research studies, Kate’s skills and knowledge are highly adaptable. She has an excellent understanding of health and social issues, particularly with regard to the Voluntary and Community Sector. Kate is an excellent communicator, with very strong analytical, reporting and interpersonal skills. A people-focused researcher, Kate is adept at interviewing and presenting.
Richard Kearnes, Researcher
Richard is skilled in data interpretation and desk-based research, and has developed strong interviewing and report writing skills since joining Step Ahead. Richard has worked on projects for a range of clients including Learning and Skills Councils, regional and national Business Link Providers, Climate South East, and the Gateway Knowledge Alliance. Richard’s main interests are in undertaking fieldwork and gaining a practical understanding of the trends underlying data analysis.
Hannah Passey, Researcher
Since working as a researcher at Step Ahead, Hannah has become experienced at depth interviewing, data analysis and desk research. She has developed strong organisational and teamworking skills which are vital to delivering high quality studies. Hannah has worked on a number of projects for diverse clients including the University for Industry’s Research and Innovation Unit, Business Link, and local County Councils.
Alexis Turton, Researcher
Alexis is an experienced researcher, having previously worked in medical market research for two years where she developed a range of skills including: data analysis and interpretation, and presentation and project co-ordination skills. Since joining Step Ahead, she has further developed her research skills in: depth interviewing, use of SPSS, desk research, and report writing. Alexis has excellent communication, team working and organisational skills. She has worked on a number of projects for different clients, such as Learning and Skills Councils, Business Link Providers, and County Councils.
Katie Underwood, Researcher
Katie has worked in social and economic research for a number of years, initially as an office administrator and then as a researcher. She is experienced in data preparation and analysis, desk research and depth interviewing, and has excellent organisational skills and attention to detail. Katie has worked on projects for a variety of clients including Business Link, local Learning and Skills Councils, local authorities and Regional Development Agencies. She is currently studying towards a Social Sciences degree with the Open University.
Joanne Whitehead, Researcher
Joanne contributes to a wide range of projects for Step Ahead. She is skilled in conducting semi-structured and structured interviews, and qualitative and quantitative analysis. Joanne’s excellent communication skills enable her to gain a clear and through understanding of client requirements. Joanne is experienced in building and managing surveys using web-based tools and conducting policy analysis and reviews. Prior to joining Step Ahead, Joanne worked for a London-based publisher.
Administration Officers
Joelle Lynch, Office Administrator
Joelle has been the Office Administrator at Step Ahead for over two years. She offers wide-ranging support to colleagues such as booking interviews, arranging focus groups and preparing final documents in a professional and consistent way. Joelle has excellent communication skills which facilitate the clear understanding of any client or staff requirements, which she deals with in an efficient and effective manner. Since joining the company, Joelle has undertaken an NVQ Level 3 in Business and Administration.
