About us

At CFE, we work collaboratively with clients to understand challenges, provide clarity through evidence, and create meaningful solutions that improve lives and communities.

CFE Research is a subsidiary of the National Centre for Social Research (NatCen), the UK’s largest independent social research charity.

Our values

Our values guide everything we do, shaping how we work with clients and ensuring our research delivers trusted evidence, clarity, and meaningful impact.

Independent and trusted

We provide objective, unbiased evidence our clients can rely on. Our trusted reputation is built on integrity, transparency, and lasting partnerships.

Deep sector knowledge

Our team combines research excellence with specialist sector insight, ensuring every project is informed by real-world understanding, practical expertise, and a commitment to addressing complex challenges.

Commitment to quality and clarity

We deliver rigorous research with meticulous attention to detail. Our reports are clear, accessible, and actionable, turning complex evidence into insights organisations can use with confidence.

A focus on the “so what?”

We go beyond describing findings to identify evidence-based conclusions that support clients to make a difference. Our work underpins continuous learning, helping organisations drive meaningful change and lasting positive impact.

Our services

We deliver flexible research and evaluation services that answer key questions, explore challenges, and provide clear evidence for better decisions.

Process and impact evaluation

Qualitative and quantitative research

Evidence and literature reviews

Ethnographic methods

Primary and secondary data analysis

Infographics and visualisation

Interactive dashboards

Learning and engagement

Peer-learning, co-production and co-design

Trauma-informed approaches

Workshop and roundtable facilitation

Our team

We’re a friendly, dedicated team who value collaboration, curiosity and shared purpose, to deliver research that matters.

Hayley Lamb

Managing Director

hayley.lamb@cfe.org.uk

Dr Sarah Harding

Associate Director

sarah.harding@cfe.org.uk

Lindsey Bowes

Research Director

lindsey.bowes@cfe.org.uk

Sarah Leonardi

Associate Director

sarah.leonardi@cfe.org.uk

Dr Sarah Tazzyman

Associate Director

sarah.tazzyman@cfe.org.uk

Rachael Archer

Senior Project Manager

rachael.archer@cfe.org.uk

Krista Blair

Senior Research Manager

krista.blair@cfe.org.uk

Sophie Spong

Senior Research Manager

sophie.spong@cfe.org.uk

Michelle Hansel

David Merrett

Senior Research Executive

david.merrett@cfe.org.uk

Our clients

We work closely and collaboratively with a wide range of organisations, including government departments, public sector agencies, charities and local authorities.

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Let’s work together

Whether you need a long-term evaluation partner or a rapid evidence review, we’re here to help. Get in touch to explore how we can support your goals.

CONTACT US