Sarah has over twenty-five years experience in both qualitative and quantitative research methods and data analysis and has been the principal researcher and consultant on many of the Unit’s studies. In addition to its commissioned work, Sarah has responsibility for the People Work Unit’s action-research programmes including shaping its current work around family engagement with, and support for, learning as a tool for tackling child poverty. Sarah is a founding director of Lles Cymru – Wellbeing Wales and its Chair and chairs its research and evaluation group. 

Since joining the Unit in 2004, Duncan has specialised in research in the fields of education, youth transitions and community regeneration, drawing upon ten years experience undertaking qualitative and quantitative research in Wales, Australia, Tanzania, and Jordan. He co-wrote the education chapter of Stop, Look and Listen, the Wales ‘NGO Alternative Report’ to the UNCRC, has contributed to books on research methods and aid relationships and has peer reviewed articles published in national and international journals. He is a member of the Big Lottery’s People and Places Committee and the University of Cardiff’s, ESRC funded Locality, Biography and Youth in a Transforming Community, Advisory Group and is an active member of the UK Evaluation Society.

Rhodri previously  worked as a researcher at Cardiff University of Wales, where he gained experience in quantitative research techniques. His first language is Welsh, and he recently completed an advanced Welsh language course at Cardiff University. He completed his MSc in Marketing at University of Glamorgan. During his eight years at the Unit Rhodri has led many evaluations for example in school based interventions in areas such STEM,  ESF projects which aim to improve employment and skills amongst disadvantaged young people, and community development projects. He has specialised skills in survey design and analysis, and analysing complex datasets.  Rhodri also has experience in delivering training programmes in subject areas such as understanding how to use the Welsh Index of Multiple deprivation.

Emma Preece is a recent Cardiff University MSc Social and Public Policy graduate, born and raised in Wales (Cardiff). At undergraduate level she studied Human Geography, focusing on issues such as equality, social research, and methods. Emma is the latest researcher within the People and Work team and is passionate and excited about all the work we undertake. Before joining People and Work Emma worked within South Wales schools as a cover supervisor, seeing first hand some of the issues facing young people today. Outside of work Emma is a very keen rugby player for Llandaff North and coach for Cardiff University Ladies Rugby.  At university Emma combined her passions for sport and equality to produce research on the experiences and safety of LGBTQ+ students in sport. This is something she continues to advocate for through her coaching.

Natasha runs ‘Play it Again Sport’, a social enterprise which seeks to remove as many barriers to participation in sport and health and well-being activities, as possible, by sourcing affordable equipment and providing a diverse range of local activities.  Natasha has a strong commitment to supporting the environment and working as sustainably as possible to minimise the projects carbon footprint, and increase local knowledge and awareness.  Natasha also works with multiple local organisations to assist them in delivering their objectives and goals.’