Helen Barrett

Helen brings over 12 years of professional research experience with the SRU, where she has delivered and managed a wide-ranging portfolio of research and evaluation projects for clients across the public, private, and third sectors. She has developed an extensive body of work focused on supporting vulnerable groups, including prisoners, veterans, and women experiencing trauma, delivering projects for organisations such as Recoop, The Veterans Advocacy Service, and Pause Plymouth.

Helen is recognised as a highly versatile, all-round researcher with extensive expertise across both quantitative and qualitative methods. Her work spans survey design and analysis, in-depth interviews, focus groups, case studies, literature and evidence reviews, and the development of theory-based evaluation frameworks. Known for her high attention to detail and clear, engaging writing style, she brings rigour and clarity to complex research questions.

Her portfolio also includes significant work in local economic development, business and labour market research, and health related topics. She has delivered and managed projects for clients including Exeter City Council, Devon County Council, Power to Change, Innovate UK, the Royal Devon & Exeter (RD&E) NHS Foundation Trust, and Marie Curie. She has also authored evidence reviews for national bodies such as NICE and the National Screening Committee.

Helen is proficient in specialist research tools including Snap Surveys, NVivo, and SPSS. She also has formal training and practical experience in Social Return on Investment (SROI) analysis and in conducting systematic reviews.