Kate Owen (pictured) joins as research director and will lead the team, with Dr Claire Bennett joining as an associate director.

Owen joins MEL Research from 2CV via a freelance career as a director-level consultant. At 2CV she was a group research director and led on a range of accounts, including work for TfL, Change4Life and Drinkaware.

She previously worked for Drinkware directly, as well as for a range of third sector and behaviour clients in a freelance capacity such as NSPCC, Samaritans and the Department for Equalities. Owen brings experience of a wide range of qualitative techniques, including engaging with marginalised and vulnerable groups.

Bennett joins MEL Research with a background in social research that includes tenures at the ESRC, Action Against Hearing Loss and Asylum Aid. More recently, she was a senior researcher in NatCen’s Crime and Justice team before moving to take on a head of bespoke projects role at NfPSynergy where she was a member of the SMT.

Prior to joining MEL, Bennett was at the Ministry of Justice supporting evaluation of probation. She brings experience of engaging in social research, particularly around crime and with victims of crime, as well as with a range of marginalised groups.

Commenting on the appointments, MEL commercial strategy director Simon Maydew said: “We continue to grow and progress with a laser focus on our social purpose. The appointment of Kate and Claire further strengthens our qualitative offer and ensures we have the ability to deep-listen to individuals from across the full spectrum of society. We are delighted that they have joined us on our journey to create a better future, where everyone has a voice, can reach their potential and live a fulfilled life.”