M·E·L Research welcomes new talent as our teams continue to grow
M·E·L Research is pleased to welcome four new colleagues to our growing team, strengthening our research and evaluation expertise as we continue to expand our services and support clients.
The appointments of Laura Karban, Associate Director; Bethan Jewsbury, Senior Evaluation Managers; and Chloe Parker, Research Manager, alongside Rhoslyn Davies, who joins us on a short-term basis to provide additional senior evaluation support, bring a wealth of experience across social research, evaluation, public policy, consumer insight and strategic consultancy.
Together, they bring valuable expertise across a range of sectors, further strengthening our ability to deliver high-quality research and evaluation that helps organisations make informed decisions, improve services and create positive social impact.
Welcoming new expertise to our research and evaluation teams
Laura Karban, Associate Director
Laura Karban, Associate Director
Laura joins M·E·L Research with over 12 years of experience leading research projects across arts and culture, heritage, housing, environment and climate, and the third sector.
An experienced mixed-methods researcher, Laura has worked both agency-side and client-side, including at Shelter. This gives her a valuable understanding of research delivery as well as the needs and priorities of organisations commissioning research.
Laura is particularly passionate about creative, accessible and participatory research methods, building meaningful partnerships with clients and communities, and translating evidence into practical insights that help organisations achieve their goals.
Her appointment further strengthens our senior research expertise and our ability to support clients with complex research challenges.
Bethan Jewsbury, Senior Evaluation Manager
Bethan joins M·E·L Research with around a decade of experience in economic and social research, evaluation and consultancy.
Bethan Jewsbury, Senior Evaluation Manager
Specialising in mixed-methods research and evaluation, Bethan has extensive experience helping organisations understand the impact of their work and use evidence to improve programmes, services and policy.
Before joining M·E·L Research, Bethan worked at Forever Consulting, focusing on place-based evaluation across Greater Manchester. Her work spanned housing, employment, migration and the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector, including leading the evaluation of the Greater Manchester Mayor’s Good Landlord Charter.
Earlier in her career, Bethan worked at Oxford Economics, delivering large-scale international research programmes for organisations including YouTube, EY and Accenture.
Her experience in developing Theories of Change, monitoring and evaluation frameworks, and measuring social value will further enhance our evaluation capabilities.
Chloe Parker, Research Manager
Chloe Parker, Research Manager
Chloe joins M·E·L Research with five years of experience delivering research across the retail, FMCG and public sectors.
A quantitative researcher with a background in psychology and consumer behaviour, Chloe specialises in exploring complex datasets, identifying meaningful patterns and translating findings into clear, actionable recommendations.
With an MSc in Consumer Psychology, a BSc in Psychology and the Market Research Society Advanced Certificate, Chloe combines strong analytical expertise with an understanding of what drives people’s attitudes and behaviours.
She is passionate about using research to make a positive difference to people’s lives, bringing valuable quantitative expertise to our growing research team.
Additional evaluation support
Rhoslyn Davies, Senior Evaluation Manager
As our evaluation portfolio continues to grow, we’re also pleased to welcome Rhoslyn Davies, who joins us on a short-term basis to provide additional senior expertise and support to our evaluation team.
Rhoslyn Davies, Senior Evaluation Manager
Rhoslyn brings over 20 years of experience spanning qualitative and quantitative research, strategic insight and consultancy.
Throughout her career, she has delivered research for public, private and third-sector organisations, with expertise across stakeholder consultation, feasibility studies, market appraisals and brand research.
Having held senior research and client leadership roles, Rhoslyn brings a strong understanding of how to translate complex evidence into meaningful recommendations that support strategic decision-making.
Alongside her professional experience, Rhoslyn is undertaking doctoral research exploring how travel experiences can influence behaviour, particularly in relation to environmental conservation and sustainability.
Her expertise and experience will provide valuable additional support to our evaluation team as we continue to deliver projects for our growing client base.
Continuing to invest in our people and capabilities
These four appointments mark another important step in M·E·L Research’s continued growth.
As demand for high-quality, independent research and evaluation continues, we’re investing in the people, skills and expertise needed to support our clients and deliver meaningful outcomes.
With further new colleagues due to join the business, we look forward to continuing to strengthen our teams and broaden the experience and perspectives we bring to our work.
We’re hiring! Join our growing team
As well as welcoming new colleagues, we’re currently recruiting for an Admin Support Officer to join our Birmingham office.
This is a varied, full-time position supporting both our Field Operations team and the wider business, helping to keep our research projects and day-to-day operations running smoothly.
We’re looking for someone friendly, organised and reliable, with good communication skills, attention to detail and a willingness to learn.
Role details:
Position: Admin Support Officer
Location: Birmingham city centre office
Salary: £27,000–£28,000 per annum
Contract: Full-time, permanent
Hours: Monday to Friday, 9am–5.30pm
Application deadline: Sunday 8 November 2026
At M·E·L Research, we offer a supportive working environment and a range of employee benefits, including generous annual leave, pension contributions, flexible working arrangements where appropriate, and two paid volunteering days each year.
Since our founding in 1985, M·E·L Research has continued to evolve, bringing together talented people who share a commitment to producing research that makes a difference.
As we welcome new colleagues and look ahead to further growth, our focus remains on delivering robust, independent evidence, building lasting relationships with our clients and making a positive contribution to the communities we serve.
We’re delighted to welcome Laura, Bethan, Rhoslyn and Chloe to M·E·L Research and look forward to the expertise, ideas and perspectives they’ll bring to our work.
Need support with your own social research?
Whether you’re a public body, charity, or organisation looking to understand your audience, evaluate impact, or inform future strategies, we’re here to help.
Get in touch with the M·E·L Research team today via our ‘Get in touch’ form below to see how our expert researchers can support your goals. Alternatively, you can email the team at info@melresearch.co.uk.
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