Taylor-Dunn (pictured), began her career as a domestic abuse officer, before joining a women’s aid organisation, managing community-based services. She later undertook a PhD, employing realist evaluation to study the effects of criminal justice policies on domestic abuse prosecutions.

In 2017, while working as a lecturer at the University of Worcester, Taylor-Dunn was commissioned by the Home Office to conduct a study on stalking and harassment victims. She joins MEL Research from the Open University, where she led a module assisting student police officers in conducting research as part of their degree.

At MEL Research, she will lead evaluation projects. Her appointment bolsters the team and follows that of Skye Curtis, who joined MEL recently as head of evaluation.

Curtis said: “Holly’s extensive experience in realist evaluation and her nationally recognised expertise in the domestic abuse and crime and justice spaces bring a unique perspective to our evaluation team.

“Holly’s proven track record in leading meaningful evaluations will be instrumental in continuing our commitment to delivering insightful and impactful evaluation projects moving forward, and to supporting clients who require a trauma-informed, specialist approach – although everyone we work with will benefit from this wider set of considerations.”