Fran joined ERS in Jan. 2014, and has over a decade of experience delivering successful research and evaluation projects regionally, nationally, and internationally – including longitudinal studies for high value, multi-strand programmes.

Clients have spanned the public and third sectors, as well as a range of grant-funders and distributors. Recent clients have included, for example: Architectural Heritage Fund, Forestry England, Arts Council England, UK Sport, British Council, Royal Society of Wildlife Trusts, Groundwork UK, Historic England, and Paul Hamlyn Foundation. In particular, Fran has supported clients in receipt of funding from DCMS, and the National Lottery Heritage and Community Funds.

Policy specialisms include: heritage and culture (especially heritage protection and regeneration, spanning ICH, natural heritage, and built heritage, as well as capital projects); parks and green spaces; museums, libraries and archives; environment and climate; community development and empowerment; young people and youth leadership; and, skills and employability.

Research specialisms include design and delivery of in-depth qualitative research, designing monitoring and evaluation frameworks, and undertaking robust social impact measurement. Fran is adept at exploring complex concepts – such as “heritage value” and “sense of place” - qualitatively, through a range of creative and place-based methods.

In addition to process and impact evaluation, Fran is also skilled at undertaking direct research to inform the development of forward strategies and programme design. Fran enjoys working collaboratively with clients, stakeholders, and grantees or beneficiaries to support them to achieve their goals. This extends to provision of capacity-building, training, and resources to support embedding of evaluation skills and knowledge beyond the life of a project.

Prior to ERS, Fran had an academic background in international development (BA Hons 1:1, MSc), and has undertaken various voluntary and community sector, local authority, and education-based roles.

She is also part of ERS’ Senior Management Team, supporting the overall development of the business and of the team.