How long have you been part of the KMPF team, and what does your role involve?
I joined the team as Monitoring and Evaluation Officer in March 2021, after supporting with some data entry for a few months (I must have done something right!).
A key part of my role involves supporting our university and college partners in evaluating the programmes they deliver. I advise and support on evaluation methodologies and approaches, analyse data and write up evaluation findings. My role also involves the evaluation of the overall programme to gauge how well it is meeting its aim of narrowing the gap in HE progression for underrepresented young people.
What do you enjoy most about your role?
I love working with data and seeing what it tells us. The best thing about it, though, is working with an incredible team of people and learning so much from each of them every day.
What did you do before joining KMPF, and how has that experience helped you in your current role?
In my mid-thirties I took a complete change of career direction and got my first degree (in Exercise Science), after which I went on to do a doctorate. This took me into academic research roles using a vast range of data collection methodologies across different types of projects. I also managed the student experience surveys at Canterbury Christ Church University for several years. There is a lot of overlap between research and evaluation, and the skill sets are very similar.
Is there a project you’ve worked on that you’re especially proud of? Why?
Leading the evaluation of our collaborative care experienced programme, Opening Doors, has been a highlight and is a very exciting project to be involved in. This is the first year the programme has formally been evaluated, so it’s a big deal!
Tell us something fun or surprising about you!
I’ve always loved dancing. I trained and qualified as a ballet teacher after my GCSEs, and as an aerobics instructor in the 90s which drew on my dance background – it was a lot of fun!
How do partners get in contact?
Email: g.coston@kent.ac.uk