Our Story
"We were tasked with conducting a comprehensive evaluation of an organisation’s response to COVID-19. The fast-moving nature of the pandemic and the dynamic healthcare environment demanded not just robust research, but research that could be delivered quickly. To achieve this, we collaborated closely with University College London (UCL)’s Rapid Response Evaluation and Appraisal Lab, gaining valuable mentorship and learning innovative methodologies.​
What we discovered was that these approaches are highly effective. Their pragmatic nature enabled the organisation to adapt swiftly and respond to emerging insights in real-time.
We were able to share the results quickly and the organisation was able to adapt and respond to emerging findings.
Applied
The methods meant that we could engage with a huge number of people even in a highly pressurised environment.
Responsive
The pragmatic nature of the methods meant that we could engage with a huge number of people, even in a highly pressurised environment.
Accessible
With expertise in rapid evaluations, impact reporting, and peer-led research, we take a collaborative, hands-on approach. From easy-to-read reports and infographics to tailored training that builds lasting evaluation skills, we’re here to support organisations in generating evidence that makes a real difference".
Want to learn more?
Sarah Williams & Anna Badley
Founders of Co-Lab
Our Team
We have a dedicated and growing team with experitise in rapid evaluation, impact reporting, community-based methods and peer-led research.
Sarah Williams
Co-Lab Co-Founder, Director of Research and Improvement
With over 30 years of experience in health and social care research, Sarah brings significant expertise to the Co-Lab team. Sarah is a recognised national leader in community health and social care research, driving forward the national strategic agenda for research, evaluation and evidence in community settings.
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Anna Badley
Co-Lab Co-Founder, Co-Lab Lead
Having established Co-Lab in 2020, Anna has grown Co-Lab into an established unit providing multiple services to help health, social and community partners generate evidence that is rapid, responsive and applied. Anna brings significant experience at a strategic level with expertise in delivering multi-organisational and regional evaluations with national impact.
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Jeni Malpass
Evaluation Specialist and Lead for Community-Based methods and Peer Research
Jeni has been an integral part of the Co-Lab team and leads our Community-Based Methods work streams and Peer Research. Jeni brings substantial expertise in working with community organisations to design and deliver evaluations and demonstrate the significant impact of Community, Voluntary and Social Enterprises. Jeni is a regional leader in Peer Research, establishing regional networks and driving an agenda of peer-led research.
Sam Davies
Creative Communications Manager
Sam is a creative communications manager helping with the design and dissemination of our work. Working with photography and other creative methods, Sam works closely with our design assistant to ensure that our work is accessible across multiple formats.
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