Field & Data Services Director
Field & Data Services
Pronouns:
She/Her
Based:
Kent
Key skills:
Hello, I'm
Cara
Cara began her career client-side in the Public Affairs team at the Chartered Management Institute, where she gained valuable insight into research from a client perspective. She later moved into agency roles at Facts International, working initially as a full-service researcher before specialising in project and account management. Following the merger of Facts into Watermelon Research in 2018, Cara became heavily involved in the fieldwork and data elements of projects, managing multi-mode programmes for both direct clients and other research agencies.
Over the course of her career, Cara has worked across a wide range of sectors including water and utilities, food service, housing associations, local government and financial services. She is particularly experienced in quantitative research and is considered a fieldwork expert, with extensive knowledge of CATI, CAPI, online and recruitment methodologies.
Outside of work, Cara enjoys spending time in the countryside walking and cycling, and is an avid sports fan, particularly football, tennis and athletics.
A few fun facts about me...
If I wasn't a Partner I'd love to be...
A food critic
The best thing about my job is...
The variety of work
My favourite place to be is...
Out on a walk (with a biscoff ice cream)
Not many people know that...
I am not to messed with (karate champ aged 9)
A few fun facts about me...
'This' or 'That' questions...
Chocolate or cheese?
Sunny or snowy?
Country or town?
Coffee or tea?
Cats or dogs?
Early bird or night owl?
'This' or 'That' questions...
Our Managing Director, Alastair Gleed, and several of our board members are founding figures of DJS Research, having joined in the early post-shed era of the company (intrigued... read about ‘the shed’) and have been in research since the previous millennium! In Spring 2024 we introduced a new scheme to bring fresh thinking and new energy into our boardroom, welcoming three new board members on a rotational basis. Both the initiative and the new members of the team were warmly received, and it's already paid dividends as the trio have had a hugely positive impact company-wide.
Alasdair Gleed
Managing
Director
Charlotte Sykes
Research Director
Gill Redfern
Research Director
James Hinde
Research Director
Matt Coulling
Operations Director
Rich Slater
Finance Director
Sharon Nichols
Research Director
Simon Driver
Research Director
Our company founder, and former Managing Director, Danny Sims, sits on the Trust Board, continuing to share his knowledge and experience garnered from over 30 years in market research. Financial oversight is provided by Finance Director, Rich Slater, while HR Manager, Lucy Pawson, champions the voice of our people through EO Voice – our employee council which represents the views and interests of everyone across the company and provides a direct route to both company boards. Our external Independent Trustee Director, John-Paul Simpson, provides an important and entirely neutral perspective on company matters and brings invaluable employee ownership expertise from his own business. His role is to protect employee interests, uphold company values, and ensure accountability across leadership.
Danny Sims
Chairman
Rich Slater
Finance Director
Lucy Pawson
Employee Trustee
Director (HR Manager)
John-Paul Simpson
Independent Trustee
Director