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.​
We realised that there was a different way of doing things, research and evidence didn't have to be inaccessible and slow; there was a way of generating evidence fast with a focus on practical solutions without losing any quality.
The findings are based on making real-world, practical improvements.
Pragmatic
The methods that we use deliver evidence fast, keeping pace with fast-moving health, social and community sectors.
Rapid
The pragmatic nature of the methods mean we can engage with a huge number of people, even in a highly pressurised environment.
Accessible
Based on these principles we provide Evaluations, Impact Reports and Training, Peer and Community Led Research and an Accessible Communication Service.
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 brilliant team of specialists with expertise in rapid evaluation, impact reporting, peer and community lead research and accessible design and communications.
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.
​
Anna Badley
Co-Lab Co-Founder, Co-Lab Lead
Having established Co-Lab in 2020, Anna has grown Co-Lab into a leading unit in helping health, social and community partners to generate evidence that is rapid, accessible and pragmatic. Anna brings significant experience at a strategic level with expertise in delivering multi-organisational and regional evaluations with national impact.
​
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.
​
