Emma Robinson
Barnsley,South Yorkshire
Summary
Experienced Research and Evaluation Manager with over 20 years' experience in the public and charitable sectors, leading the design and delivery of high‑quality, research, evaluation and intelligence. Skilled in translating complex data into actionable insights, developing robust evaluation and performance frameworks, and delivering business intelligence solutions that support evidence‑based decision‑making. A collaborative leader with a strong track record of building partnerships, securing funding, and driving innovative, data‑driven approaches that improve outcomes for communities.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work history
Research and Evaluation Manager
Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council
Barnsley
2024.02 - Current
- Oversight of research and evaluation team within Barnsley Council – a nationally recognised, award‑winning local authority, named both LGC Council of the Year and MJ Local Authority of the Year (2023).
- Responsible for delivery of research strategy and vision with strategic oversight of high-profile, multi-agency evaluations.
- Line management of two Research Fellows and a Research Officer
- Designed and implemented a research governance framework to ensure ethical, high-quality research and evaluation.
- Led the development and implementation of an organisational evidence framework (“Evidence Compass”), embedding a shared, multi-source approach to evidence-informed decision-making across Barnsley Council.
- Established and continue to chair a place‑based Health Research Hub, bringing together multi‑agency partners to drive collaborative research across the local system.
- Developed and maintained research and policy partnerships with local, regional and national stakeholders, including academic, NHS and government partners, to strengthen research capacity and support evidence‑informed decision‑making.
Business Improvement and Intelligence Advisor
Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council
Barnsley
2020.06 - 2024.02
- Developed and maintained performance frameworks to ensure the timely planning, co-ordination and delivery of corporate and service improvement, objectives and outcomes.
- Presented detailed business intelligence information in suitable formats for colleagues, senior managers, the public, elected members and partner agencies.
- Translated complex information into intelligence, monitored trends and used advanced analytical techniques to make judgements on risk and cite service on these.
- Championed digital innovation, leading the development of business intelligence solutions and working in partnership with end users and technical teams to design and deliver impactful products (e.g. Power BI dashboards).
- Provided considerable support to Covid 19 response working as part of intelligence team under significant pressure, responding to fast changes in direction. Applied own expertise to make quick decisions and lead.
- Responsible for officer post with effective working relationship, working remotely and with priorities changing from Covid-19 to business as usual. Proven ability to lead others in a team.
Research and Insight Manager
Yorkshire Sport Foundation
Morley, West Yorkshire
2015.09 - 2020.06
- Managed data and insight programme for large Active Partnership covering South and West Yorkshire.
- Developed performance framework to demonstrate quantitative and qualitative outcomes.
- Introduced a new performance management system to monitor quantitative outcomes and collect qualitative case studies/good news stories. Responsible for training all YSF staff in the use of this system.
- Worked with a wide variety of stakeholders including Sport England, local sports clubs, Local Authorities and Public Health professionals
- Delivered presentations to a wide variety of stakeholders.
- Held the role of company Data Protection Officer with oversight of implementation of GDPR (including colleague training).
- Fostered a positive work environment with regular team-building activities.
Senior Research Officer
West Yorkshire Probation Trust
Wakefield, West Yorkshire
2009.09 - 2014.04
- Supported the Research Manager in delivery of full research and performance monitoring programme.
- Delivered high profile funded projects to the National Offender Management Service (NOMS) and Home Office.
- Contributed to descriptive and analytical research projects, utilising appropriate research methods and data analysis techniques.
- Carried out one-to-one interviews, and focus groups, obtaining desired feedback within tight deadlines.
Education
Master of Arts - Criminal Justice Studies
University of Leeds
Leeds2002-10
Bachelor of Arts - Criminology
Lancaster University
Lancaster2001-07
Skills
- Skilled in mixed methods research design
- Excellent report writing and presentation skills for a variety of audiences
- Highly developed digital skills, with experience producing business intelligence solutions and creating clear, accessible reports and infographics
- Highly proficient in use of Microsoft Office applications - Word, Excel, PowerPoint, PowerBi and Copilot
- Experience of creating PowerBi dashboards
- Proven project management skills
- Mental Health First Aider
Timeline
Research and Evaluation Manager
Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council
2024.02 - Current
Business Improvement and Intelligence Advisor
Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council
2020.06 - 2024.02
Research and Insight Manager
Yorkshire Sport Foundation
2015.09 - 2020.06
Senior Research Officer
West Yorkshire Probation Trust
2009.09 - 2014.04
Master of Arts - Criminal Justice Studies
University of Leeds
Bachelor of Arts - Criminology
Lancaster University