Murphy (pictured) had recently joined MEL Research as a researcher and previously was research director at Verian Group in Brussels, with other prior roles including spells at York Consulting LLP, Family Kids & Youth and DJS Research.

MEL Research said that Murphy would bring experience in complex evaluations for government, cultural and third-sector organisations, including developing evaluation frameworks and performance measures that help organisations make evidence-based decisions.

James Walsh has also joined MEL Research in a newly created role as AI and automation analyst, having previously been a fieldwork supervisor at the company.

Walsh will lead the adoption of AI and automation across the company, supporting research delivery as well as improvements to productivity, streamlining internal processes and boosting operational efficiency.

Olivia Smith and Jamie Bains have also been named as insight executives, with Smith having previously been a research executive at NEMS Market Research, as well as having experience in sectors such as arts and culture, tourism, heritage, health and retail.

Smith has a background covering areas including customer experience, consumer behaviour and market opportunity studies, and she has a particular focus on helping underrepresented communities gain representation through research and widening access to arts and culture.

Bains has experience in mixed-methods research across policy, cultural and heritage sectors, and has prior experience working as a research assistant at Channel 4 and in an internship at the Department for Work and Pensions.

Steve Handley, director of the delivery team at MEL Research, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Liz, Jamie, Olivia and James to MEL Research. Each brings valuable expertise and a shared commitment to delivering high-quality research and evaluation that creates meaningful impact.

“These appointments strengthen our evaluation, insights and central services teams.”