Poppy Reece, Managing Director

Poppy keeps everything running smoothly, making sure projects are delivered on time and to the highest standard. Poppy is driven by a passion for making research matter, with a sharp eye for detail and a people-first approach. With a career in local government research and a background in psychology, sociology, and social policy, she’s got a deep understanding of how people and systems interact. Poppy is an expert at leading complex research and evaluation projects, with a knack for turning insights into real-world impact for public and voluntary sector clients.

Poppy holds an MRS Advanced Certificate in Market & Social Research Practice and specialises in primary research including interviews, online research communities and participatory approaches that give people a real voice. She also has a passion for crafting reports that don’t just sit on a shelf – they bring insights to life and inspire change.

Sean Marks, Director of Research & Evaluation

Sean leads the way on research design, data collection, and analysis, keeping his eye on the ball to ensure every project delivers solid insights. With a background in local authority research as well as sports psychology and youth work, Sean brings a fresh perspective and loves designing innovative research that puts people at the heart.

Sean is an expert in mixed-methods research and evaluations and is all about turning data – both numbers and narratives – into something meaningful. He’s a certified pro when it comes to crunching numbers and spotting trends, as well as understanding the human stories and experiences behind the data. Whether it’s through surveys, interviews, focus groups or customer segmentation, Sean delivers impactful insight which helps inform confident decision-making. He’s also a master at creating user-led monitoring and evaluation approaches to help clients understand what’s working and why, and imagine a better future.

Maura O’Malley, Field Director

Maura is the go-to person for fieldwork and stakeholder engagement. Bringing over 20 years of experience in research, engagement, and frontline work with diverse communities, Maura has deep expertise across health and social care, child and family services, and violence against women and girls. Maura is a champion of person-centred and inclusive research, ensuring that accessibility isn’t just an afterthought but a core part of the process.

Maura is a natural at building trust and making people feel heard. She’s spent years having honest, meaningful conversations – whether it’s one-on-one interviews about sensitive topics, leading group discussions, or using ethnographic methods to really understand people’s lived experiences. She’s also passionate about co-production, working alongside communities to shape research that truly reflects their voices. Her mission is to break down barriers so that everyone – no matter their background – can share their experiences.