We are an interdisciplinary team of specialists from across the University undertaking programme evaluations as well as policy-focussed analysis and research.
We design and conduct evaluations of services and interventions in the public and commercial sector using theory led evaluation approaches. We specialise in theory of change and logic model development as well as evaluations of complex interventions in the health, educational or public service sector.
Our core services include:
- programme evaluations
- policy analysis and guidance
- systematic review, literature review and rapid evidence assessments
- quantitative and qualitative expertise
- survey design and analysis
Meet the team

Director, Professor Axel Kaehne
Axel was born and educated in Berlin (Germany) at Free University and Humboldt University and subsequently studied at Aberdeen University and the University of Wales.
He settled in South Wales in 1996. In 2005 he took up a position of Research Fellow at the School of Medicine, Cardiff University and joined Edge Hill as a Senior Research Fellow in April 2013. He was appointed Professor in Health Service Research in 2022 and is currently Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Integrated Care.
Axel is Visiting Professor at the Department of Health and Social Management at the University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio and currently Vice President of EHMA, the European Health Management Association (Brussels).
View Professor Axel Kaehne’s full profile
Senior Research Fellow, Dr Julie Feather
Julie is a Senior Research Fellow in the Evaluation and Policy Analysis Unit at Edge Hill University. Julie’s work involves designing and undertaking service evaluations across the health, social care, education and housing sectors.
Julie is a qualified social worker with substantial experience in adult social work practice and delivery of social work education. Julie’s research interests are informed by her previous social work practice. Julie’s research focuses on improving the process of transition for young people moving between children’s and adult health and social care services. Her PhD evaluated the implementation of a person-centred, children and young person’s transition programme using realist approaches to evaluation.
Julie is interested in the integration of health and social care services and the delivery of interprofessional education. Julie is passionate about collaborative, co-produced research between academics, practitioners and people with lived experience of health and social care services.
View Dr Julie Feather’s full profile
Senior Research Fellow, Dr Chinebuli Uzondu
Chinebuli is a Senior Research Fellow at the Unit for Evaluation and Policy Analysis (EPA), Edge Hill University where she is involved in the design, execution, and coordination of service evaluation programmes within a wide range of sectors.
Her research seeks to understand the environmental and social causes, consequences, and policy implications of transport problems. This involves using both quantitative and qualitative research methods, to inform design of transportation services including infrastructure and/or technology interventions, and to evaluate the effectiveness of these interventions. She has keen interest in contributing to improving safe mobility, promoting active travel and evaluating programmes in this direction.
She holds a PhD degree in Human Factors and Safety (Institute for Transport Studies, University of Leeds UK), an MSc in Transport Management Technology and a B.Tech in Project Management Technology both from the Federal University of Technology Owerri Nigeria.
View Dr Chinebuli Uzondu’s full profile
Postdoctoral Research Associate, Dr Richie Paul Carreon
Paul is a Postdoctoral Research Associate at the Unit for Evaluation and Policy Analysis (EPA) at Edge Hill University. Paul is well-versed in range of qualitative research methods, including interviews, focus groups and case studies.
Paul specialised in designing and implementing data collection and data analysis strategies for complex health intervention to develop a nuanced understanding of their implications on people and societies.
Informed by his background in academia and as a qualified physiotherapist with a PhD in health studies. Paul’s work within the EPA Unit involves the use of theoretical frameworks to map out the key inputs, activities, outputs, and outcomes of multifaceted interventions, and presenting this information in a clear and accessible way to a range of stakeholders.
Alongside his clinical practice with a strong interest in health research, Paul is committed to ethical research practices and dedicated to improving the lives of the individuals and communities through rigorous and impactful research.

Research Assistant, Chloe Tomlin
Chloe Tomlin is a Research Assistant at the Unit for Evaluation and Policy Analysis at Edge Hill University. Chloe’s work centres around the care experience specific to carers and people living with dementia, training and knowledge quality in higher education and health practice.
She has experience working in the adult social care sector, particularly care homes, and works as a Dementia Adviser for the Alzheimer’s Society (St Helens) alongside her Research post.
Chloe is in the final months of completing her PhD exploring the experiences of men providing care to significant others, having previously secured her MSc in Dementia: Care and the Enabling Environment at Salford University. Chloe’s research aims are informed by her work in care homes and as a Dementia Advisor. She is interested in integrated health systems, staff progression and training, support and wellness for carers, and improving outlook and quality of life for people living with dementia.

Research Assistant, Ricardo Lopes
Ricardo is a motivated and result-driven professional with a strong passion for technology and research. With a diverse background in project management, software development, and data analysis, Ricardo excels in dynamic environments and thrives under pressure.
He constantly seeks to enhance his skills and actively contributes to the success of the team. Currently working as a KTP Associate at Edge Hill University, Ricardo is involved in developing a cutting-edge volumetrics algorithm and delivering an academic paper, utilising his problem-solving and analytical skills. In his role as a Fastrack IT Tutor, he has successfully facilitated engaging IT sessions for students, equipping them with essential skills and knowledge. As a Research Projects Coordinator, Ricardo collaborated with esteemed researchers, conducting comprehensive research and synthesising findings on children’s data protection regulations.
Additionally, his experience as a Technology Consultant and Property Manager demonstrates his ability to combine technical proficiency with effective communication and project management skills. Ricardo holds a BSc in Computing and is currently pursuing an MSc in Big Data Analytics, further enhancing his expertise in advanced analytical techniques and machine learning algorithms. With proficiency in multiple programming languages and languages, Ricardo brings a versatile skill set to the team.
Our projects
We have worked with a variety of funders, including: NHS England & Improvement, Blackpool Council, Health Research Authority (HRA) NHS Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care System (ICS), Health Foundation, Barnardos, Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, Sports England and UK Athletics.
Explore our projects Explore our publicationsContact us
If you would like to contact us to discuss a potential project or tender, please email us using the details below.