Isabel Hampton
Location: London
Qualifications: BA Geography
I joined SQW in September 2019 after graduating from the University of Sheffield with a degree in Human Geography.
My motivation to apply to SQW stemmed from my final year dissertation, which examined the extent to which wider determinants of health – such as education, housing quality, and access to green space – could account for inequalities in life expectancy across the 83 bus route in Sheffield. As part of this research I conducted a literature review, undertook GIS mapping and performed quantitative data analysis, ending up with a set of policy recommendations designed to help Sheffield City Council tackle health inequalities in the city. I really enjoyed carrying out this research and as a result had my eye out for graduate roles where I could utilise my analytical skills to achieve positive social impact.
When I first joined SQW as a Research Consultant I predominantly worked in spatial development, the area of the business known as ‘SpatProp’. Here, I supported the delivery of economic strategies, market assessments and feasibility studies for local authorities up and down the country. This involved conducting background research and document reviews, producing socio-economic baselines (snapshots of the social and economic conditions of an area at a particular point in time) and creating maps. The great thing about SQW is the breadth of work the company undertakes, and during this time I also worked on some health-related projects, including a literature review exploring the impact of housing interventions on health outcomes for older people and an evaluation of a new approach to conducting mental health assessments for looked-after children.
When I was promoted to Consultant, I chose to specialise in qualitative research, focusing on health, education, and youth policy. A notable highlight from my time as a Consultant was working on the evaluation of NHS England’s Maternity Transformation Programme (MTP), a major initiative aimed at making maternity services across England safer, more personalised, and more family-friendly. As part of this, I interviewed frontline staff, ran focus groups with service users and analysed quantitative data to develop deep-dive case studies of two Local Maternity Systems implementing the programme.
Now, as a Senior Consultant, I manage my own projects. Currently I am leading SQW’s work as learning partner for an initiative supporting Early Years organisations in London increase young children's numeracy, literacy and language skills, and have recently managed two large studies for the Department for Culture, Media and Sport exploring the role of volunteers in the youth sector and how professional youth workers interact with other sector personnel and agencies. Beyond project delivery, I am also SQW’s Data Protection Steward and act as a mentor to graduate-entry Research Consultants in our London office— something I find particularly rewarding, having begun my own career in the same position six years ago.
