if-about

Journalism - writing web content, magazine articles and consumer facing literature for clients such as Which?, the Women's Sport and Fitness Foundation (WSFF), the British Standards Institution (BSI).
Research - managing research projects, analysing data and writing reports for clients such as RNIB, Which? and BSI .
Consultancy - ongoing consultancy work for the Consumer and Public Interest Unit at the British Standards Institution (BSI). I am the co-ordinator of the Services Team advising BSI on consumer issues in the services area (financial services, tourism, customer service, energy). I help to draft standards ensuring that the needs of consumers are represented at every level.

Part-time, voluntary work at a local charity.
Interviewing clients, identifying key issues, researching rights and responsibilities and giving relevant, accurate advice.
Advising clients on a wide range of problems including debt, employment, benefits and consumer rights.

Researching, writing and editing reports for publication in Which? magazine and on the Which? website.
Leading project teams and ensuring that projects ran to budget and schedule.
Using a variety of qualitative and quantitative research techniques and commissioning research from external companies.
Publicising report findings, writing press releases and representing Which? externally at various levels, including national television and radio.
Building successful relationships with a variety of people and organisations.
At various times I was the Which? specialist for utilities, health, technology and environmental issues. This involved advising on corporate policies, keeping up to date with key issues and dealing with frequent enquiries from readers and the media.

Working closely with Jan Walsh - three times voted consumer journalist of the year.
Managing the research department - commissioning and carrying out research, analysing results and writing consumer reports for clients such as Nestle and Cable and Wireless (Now Virgin Media).

EDUCATION

2:1(hons) degree in Media Studies and Environmental Geography - including a first in the following modules: 'Qualitative Research Methods', 'Quantitative Research Methods' and my Individual Research Project (8,000 word dissertation).
4 A-levels (English, Media Studies, History, Geography)
10 GCSEs

SPECIALISMS

I can turn my hand to any subject but my main areas of expertise are:

KEY SKILLS

Excellent project management
Ability to produce high quality work to tight deadlines.
A thorough, focussed and accurate researcher
Ability to identify key issues and transform complex research and reports into clear consumer-friendly language.
In touch with current consumer issues and the needs of consumers.
A clear, fluid writing style and the ability to adapt my writing style to suit different target audiences.
Media trained with experience of national TV and radio interviews - including BBC Radio 1, 2, 4 and 5, GMTV, BBC News 24 and BBC Breakfast.