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.
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
Lindsey Bowes
Research Director
Katie Gray
Dr Sarah Harding
Associate Director
Sarah Leonardi
Associate Director
Dr Sarah Tazzyman
Associate Director
Rachael Archer
Senior Project Manager
Krista Blair
Senior Research Manager
Gill Featherstone
Senior Research Manager
Michelle Hansel
Sophie Spong
Senior Research Manager
Our board
Our Board ensures strong governance, accountability, and strategic direction, safeguarding CFE’s independence and commitment to delivering high-quality, impactful research.
Professor John Coyne CBE (Chair)
A founding member of CFE Research, John has had a distinguished career in higher education, including 11 years as Vice Chancellor at the University of Derby. Awarded a CBE in 2015, he is passionate about social research, especially skills and employment. He was a commissioner for the UK Commission on Employment and Skills and formerly chaired Paddle UK.
Michael Davis
CEO of NatCen, Michael has held senior roles at Kantar, Ecorys, and the UK Commission for Employment and Skills. He focuses on using research to improve social and economic outcomes. He chairs Capital City College’s Board and is a Fellow of the London City & Guilds Institute for his work in vocational education.
Lesley Giles
Director of Work Advance, Lesley advises on labour markets and work policy at all levels. She is also an Associate at Lancaster University’s Work Foundation. Formerly Deputy Director at the UK Commission for Employment and Skills, she has held senior roles across government and research. Lesley is a CIPD graduate and RSA Fellow.
Graham Bell
Our clients
We work closely and collaboratively with a wide range of organisations, including government departments, public sector agencies, charities and local authorities.
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.
