Ipsos UK Adds Head of Qual Methods

Ipsos UK has hired former NatCen leader Naomi Jones as Head of Qual Methods at its Qualitative Research and Engagement Centre.

Jones has run her own social research consultancy, NJ Research, for the past eight years, working for charities, local authorities, government departments and research organisations. In addition to running qual studies and evaluations, she advises on larger projects and supports companies with training, mentoring and capacity-building; and she brings strong expertise in handling sensitive projects with vulnerable research participants.

Before this she worked as Head of Children and Young People at NatCen Social Research, helping to build a team of more than twenty researchers and overseeing high-profile projects; and as Co-Head of Social Attitudes, during a total of seven years at the social research charity. Prior to this she worked for two and a half years at fairer society charity IPPR, as Head of Qualitative Research; and earlier as a Senior Researcher at consumer publication Which?

At Ipsos, she will lead on developing the qualitative offer, including enhancing the group's expertise in community-based participation in policy development, implementation and evaluation. Michelle Mackie, Head of the Qualitative Research and Engagement Centre, comments: 'We are delighted to welcome Naomi to the team during this pivotal year, where understanding people's lived experience, attitudes and behaviours is paramount. Her exceptional expertise in inclusive qualitative research methods and ethics across diverse policy areas including education, children and young people, health and social care and crime and violence will be an invaluable addition to our research portfolio'.

Group home page: www.ipsos.com .