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Click here for Cymraeg
Get To Know Us
The RCT HDRC was established in January 2024 and the team has been growing ever since! We have a wide range of skills and experiences and each member of the team brings something different. We are a multidisciplinary team dedicated to addressing health inequalities in Rhondda Cynon Taf, bringing together skills in public engagement, data analysis, research incubation, and evidence synthesis. Our collaborative effort ensures a holistic approach to improving health outcomes and breaking the cycle of poverty through innovative research and strategic policy-making.
Zoë leads the HDRC team and has a wealth of experience in working with children, young people, families and the community in the public, private and voluntary sectors. Zoë leads efforts to embed a research culture within the Council working with the Council’s Senior Leadership Team and elected members to champion the use of evidence and make a positive impact on health inequalities. She also works with the Collaboration Partners to set the HDRC strategic direction and with regional and national bodies to deliver the aims of the HDRC. Zoë is accountable for financial oversight of the HDRC and seeking new research and investment opportunities to ensure the future sustainability of the HDRC beyond 2028.
Zoë’s work is crucial in driving evidence-based decision-making at all levels within the Council, aiming to break the cycle of poverty and improve the life chances of the most disadvantaged residents.
Zoë has lived and worked in RCT for 30 years and has a proven track record of transforming public services to improve outcomes for those who face barriers in life. Proudly autistic and ADHD, Zoë is always up to something which will usually involve hatching a plan, buying Victorian antiques, running around after her three neurodivergent children or staying up way past bedtime.
Specialist Roles in the RCT HDRC
Roles within the HDRC Team are grouped into the following specialisms: Organisational Development, Research and Evidence, Data Impact and Implementation and Engagement and Communication. Each role plays a crucial part in enhancing the local authority's capacity to embed research and evidence-based practices into its culture and operations, ensuring that decisions are informed by robust evidence and that the community is actively involved in the research process. Through these efforts, the HDRC aims to create a sustainable research infrastructure that supports evidence-informed policy making and addresses the wider determinants of health.
Organisational Development The Organisational Development role within the HDRC is all about enhancing the Local Authority's capacity to embed research and evidence-based practices into its culture and operations. This includes:
Professional Learning: Developing the skills and knowledge of staff to interpret and translate evidence into policy and service improvements.
Structural Changes: Adjusting recruitment, secondment, and job descriptions to promote a research culture.
Leadership: Equipping leaders, elected members, and staff with the necessary skills to use evidence effectively in decision-making processes.
This work is lead by Rhianydd Davies, who is our Organisational Development Lead and has been working in the Council in Human Resources (HR) for 21years! She previously managed the training and Occupational Health teams and sat as part of senior management team for HR. She brings knowledge and experience of the Council and organisational development. Born in Zambia, Africa she loves travelling and exploring what the world has to offer, and when she has time she makes delicious cakes (everyone needs to try her lemon drizzle cake!)
Research and Evidence
Our Research and Evidence work focuses on identifying evidence needs and gaps, synthesising research findings, and supporting the development and funding of innovative research projects to inform decision-making and improve outcomes. It's made up of two key components: Evidence Synthesis and Research Incubation, explained below.
Evidence Synthesis
Evidence Synthesis in the HDRC means the process of gathering, evaluating, and integrating research findings to support decision-making. It involves:
Identifying Evidence Needs: Working with Council staff to identifyevidence needs
Synthesising Evidence: This means bringing together expertise from various sources to produce relevant and actionable outputs.
Knowledge Mobilisation Projects: Co-designing and delivering projects that address identified evidence needs, ensuring outputs are timely and contextually relevant. You can learn more about knowledge mobilisation here(external link).
Research Incubation Research Incubation focuses on developing and supporting research proposals and funding applications. This includes:
Identifying Evidence Gaps: Working with Council staff to identifyevidence gaps and where primary research is needed.
Developing Networks: Creating multi-disciplinary groups to develop and submit funding applications.
Supporting LA Staff: Facilitating the development and submission of research bids to fund innovative research and evaluations.
These activities are led by Dr Amy Lloyd, our Research and Evidence Lead, who was the HDRC 'original' and the first to join the team. Amy has over twenty years' experience working to bridge the gap between research, policy and practice. She is an evidence enthusiast who enjoys finding ways to support people to access, interpret and use the best available evidence - to inform decisions that make a meaningful difference to people’s lives. Amy has a PhD in healthcare improvement and a Masters in Public Health, which sparked an interest in improving health outcomes for everyone. She is at her happiest when she is outside, ideally in the mountains with her family and dog.
Amy is supported by Greg Notman who is our Evidence Synthesis Coordinator and joins the HDRC after spending three years at the Wales Centre for Public Policy, supporting a variety of research projects for Welsh Government and public services. He is looking forward to bringing this research skillset to the HDRC and help the Council access and interpret a range of evidence to enhance its decisions. Outside of work, Greg is a long-suffering supporter of Scotland in a range of sports and Queen of the South FC.
Greg is supported by Leon Handley, our HDRC Graduate Officer and is who is working to support evidence based decision making that drives meaningful change. Leon’s previous roles included working as a personal assistant helping people with disabilities access the outdoor environment and working as an outdoor instructor. These roles allowed him to develop strong communication skills, an emphasis on collaboration as well as a passion for creating inclusive opportunities. Outside of work Leon enjoys getting outside in RCT and meeting new people.
Dr Oishee Kundu is our Capacity Building and Research Incubation Co-ordinator and here to identify and adapt training opportunities to help the Council become more research active and apply for funding to improve the state of knowledge on health determinants and address health inequalities. She is a big fan of experiential learning and has developed table-top boardgames in her previous roles at Cardiff University and the University of Bath. Oishee has a PhD in science policy and gets very excited about science communication – she is an Associate Fellow of RISCS (Research Institute for Sociotechnical Cyber Security) and likes attending festivals, taking trains to different places, and connecting with people to share stories.
Data Impact and Implementation
Our Data Impact and Implementation work is about the use of data to inform and improve policy and practice. This includes:
Data Infrastructure: Leveraging the LA's existing digital infrastructure to capture and use cross-directorate information.
Embedding Evidence: Systematically integrating evidence into the LA's annual Performance Management Framework cycle to inform policy and practice.
Monitoring and Dissemination: Developing indicators and measures to track the impact of HDRC activities and disseminating learning across various audiences.
Ceri Parsons is our Data Impact and Implementation Co-ordinator and works to help RCT Council services to use data when making decisions and is responsible for HDRC public communications, such as this website! Ceri joined RCT Council in 2003 and has years of experience in managing data, service, system and digital improvements and has worked with many different Council service areas, in particular, services that support children, young people, families and the community. In her spare time, Ceri loves going to gigs (and dancing like no-one is watching), playing pool and spending quality time with her family.
Ceri is supported by Alex Jehu, our dedicated HDRC Data Support Officer whose role is to collect, analyse and share data to help RCT Council make better decisions based on strong evidence. After gaining three years of experience in data management working at Cwm Taf Morgannwg Mind, Alex joined RCT Council as a data quality apprentice. His work within the HDRC involves creating and managing databases, ensuring data is accurate, training others on how to use data and collaborate with other HDRC teams across the UK to share knowledge and improve practices. Outside of work, Alex is an avid outdoor enthusiast and adventure seeker where he enjoys everything from hikes to long bike rides.
Engagement and Communications
Building and maintaining strong relationships with our wide range of partners is crucial to the success of RCT HDRC as is ensuring that we are engaging with the right people at the right time and communicating the work of the HDRC to a diverse audience.
Dan Barlow is our Compliance and Engagement Co-ordinator and is responsible for coordinating the delivery of programme administration and compliance functions for the HDRC, ensuring smooth operations and adherence to contractual obligations. Additionally, Dan plays a key role in engaging collaborating partners and stakeholders, fostering strong relationships and facilitating effective communication. By supporting the Strategic Oversight Board and Operational Delivery Group members, Dan ensures that everyone involved in the HDRC is working together to achieve the HDRC's goals of breaking the cycle of poverty and positively impacting health determinants in our community. Dan brings 25 years of teaching and learning experience to the HDRC having taught Welsh and History in valleys comprehensive schools, lectured on Masters courses and worked on national education programmes. Outside of work you’ll find Dan at the top of a mountain, with his nose in a book, at a gig or ferrying his three children around South Wales.
Shannon Lee is our Public and Community Engagement Officer and is our top community supporter, actively involving citizens in the research process. Her role includes recruiting and supporting members of the public to become Lived Experience Advisors and participate in project steering groups. She also delivers public engagement activities to ensure public participation and representativeness, working with people to co-produce and co-deliver knowledge mobilisation projects and research incubation activities. Shannon is a qualified independent advocate and has previously worked for Age Cymru supporting those living with dementia. She has also advocated for students across South Wales in her roles as Students’ Union Welfare Officer and President. Outside of work, Shannon loves to go on hikes around RCT and is always up for trying out new places to eat!
Victoria (Tori) Reynolds is our HDRC Communications Officer, she is responsible for maintaining and reviewing the communication platforms used by the HDRC to ensure all public facing information is accurate, accessible, and timely and developing a digital presence to extend the reach of the programme. Tori’s previous role was managing the prevention team in the homeless department of Cardiff Council, helping the most vulnerable people in the city. Tori enjoys spending time with her family and being outdoors, walks in the rain are her favourite.
Dewi Gillard is our HDRC Collaboration Support Assistant and provides project and administrative support to the team. Dewi joined the Council in 2020 as part of the Test, Trace and Protect team which ignited his passion in using his business administrative skills to benefit the community. In his spare time Dewi is an avid Cardiff City football supporter and has attended nearly 200 games so far!
Click here for Cymraeg
Get To Know Us
The RCT HDRC was established in January 2024 and the team has been growing ever since! We have a wide range of skills and experiences and each member of the team brings something different. We are a multidisciplinary team dedicated to addressing health inequalities in Rhondda Cynon Taf, bringing together skills in public engagement, data analysis, research incubation, and evidence synthesis. Our collaborative effort ensures a holistic approach to improving health outcomes and breaking the cycle of poverty through innovative research and strategic policy-making.
Zoë leads the HDRC team and has a wealth of experience in working with children, young people, families and the community in the public, private and voluntary sectors. Zoë leads efforts to embed a research culture within the Council working with the Council’s Senior Leadership Team and elected members to champion the use of evidence and make a positive impact on health inequalities. She also works with the Collaboration Partners to set the HDRC strategic direction and with regional and national bodies to deliver the aims of the HDRC. Zoë is accountable for financial oversight of the HDRC and seeking new research and investment opportunities to ensure the future sustainability of the HDRC beyond 2028.
Zoë’s work is crucial in driving evidence-based decision-making at all levels within the Council, aiming to break the cycle of poverty and improve the life chances of the most disadvantaged residents.
Zoë has lived and worked in RCT for 30 years and has a proven track record of transforming public services to improve outcomes for those who face barriers in life. Proudly autistic and ADHD, Zoë is always up to something which will usually involve hatching a plan, buying Victorian antiques, running around after her three neurodivergent children or staying up way past bedtime.
Specialist Roles in the RCT HDRC
Roles within the HDRC Team are grouped into the following specialisms: Organisational Development, Research and Evidence, Data Impact and Implementation and Engagement and Communication. Each role plays a crucial part in enhancing the local authority's capacity to embed research and evidence-based practices into its culture and operations, ensuring that decisions are informed by robust evidence and that the community is actively involved in the research process. Through these efforts, the HDRC aims to create a sustainable research infrastructure that supports evidence-informed policy making and addresses the wider determinants of health.
Organisational Development The Organisational Development role within the HDRC is all about enhancing the Local Authority's capacity to embed research and evidence-based practices into its culture and operations. This includes:
Professional Learning: Developing the skills and knowledge of staff to interpret and translate evidence into policy and service improvements.
Structural Changes: Adjusting recruitment, secondment, and job descriptions to promote a research culture.
Leadership: Equipping leaders, elected members, and staff with the necessary skills to use evidence effectively in decision-making processes.
This work is lead by Rhianydd Davies, who is our Organisational Development Lead and has been working in the Council in Human Resources (HR) for 21years! She previously managed the training and Occupational Health teams and sat as part of senior management team for HR. She brings knowledge and experience of the Council and organisational development. Born in Zambia, Africa she loves travelling and exploring what the world has to offer, and when she has time she makes delicious cakes (everyone needs to try her lemon drizzle cake!)
Research and Evidence
Our Research and Evidence work focuses on identifying evidence needs and gaps, synthesising research findings, and supporting the development and funding of innovative research projects to inform decision-making and improve outcomes. It's made up of two key components: Evidence Synthesis and Research Incubation, explained below.
Evidence Synthesis
Evidence Synthesis in the HDRC means the process of gathering, evaluating, and integrating research findings to support decision-making. It involves:
Identifying Evidence Needs: Working with Council staff to identifyevidence needs
Synthesising Evidence: This means bringing together expertise from various sources to produce relevant and actionable outputs.
Knowledge Mobilisation Projects: Co-designing and delivering projects that address identified evidence needs, ensuring outputs are timely and contextually relevant. You can learn more about knowledge mobilisation here(external link).
Research Incubation Research Incubation focuses on developing and supporting research proposals and funding applications. This includes:
Identifying Evidence Gaps: Working with Council staff to identifyevidence gaps and where primary research is needed.
Developing Networks: Creating multi-disciplinary groups to develop and submit funding applications.
Supporting LA Staff: Facilitating the development and submission of research bids to fund innovative research and evaluations.
These activities are led by Dr Amy Lloyd, our Research and Evidence Lead, who was the HDRC 'original' and the first to join the team. Amy has over twenty years' experience working to bridge the gap between research, policy and practice. She is an evidence enthusiast who enjoys finding ways to support people to access, interpret and use the best available evidence - to inform decisions that make a meaningful difference to people’s lives. Amy has a PhD in healthcare improvement and a Masters in Public Health, which sparked an interest in improving health outcomes for everyone. She is at her happiest when she is outside, ideally in the mountains with her family and dog.
Amy is supported by Greg Notman who is our Evidence Synthesis Coordinator and joins the HDRC after spending three years at the Wales Centre for Public Policy, supporting a variety of research projects for Welsh Government and public services. He is looking forward to bringing this research skillset to the HDRC and help the Council access and interpret a range of evidence to enhance its decisions. Outside of work, Greg is a long-suffering supporter of Scotland in a range of sports and Queen of the South FC.
Greg is supported by Leon Handley, our HDRC Graduate Officer and is who is working to support evidence based decision making that drives meaningful change. Leon’s previous roles included working as a personal assistant helping people with disabilities access the outdoor environment and working as an outdoor instructor. These roles allowed him to develop strong communication skills, an emphasis on collaboration as well as a passion for creating inclusive opportunities. Outside of work Leon enjoys getting outside in RCT and meeting new people.
Dr Oishee Kundu is our Capacity Building and Research Incubation Co-ordinator and here to identify and adapt training opportunities to help the Council become more research active and apply for funding to improve the state of knowledge on health determinants and address health inequalities. She is a big fan of experiential learning and has developed table-top boardgames in her previous roles at Cardiff University and the University of Bath. Oishee has a PhD in science policy and gets very excited about science communication – she is an Associate Fellow of RISCS (Research Institute for Sociotechnical Cyber Security) and likes attending festivals, taking trains to different places, and connecting with people to share stories.
Data Impact and Implementation
Our Data Impact and Implementation work is about the use of data to inform and improve policy and practice. This includes:
Data Infrastructure: Leveraging the LA's existing digital infrastructure to capture and use cross-directorate information.
Embedding Evidence: Systematically integrating evidence into the LA's annual Performance Management Framework cycle to inform policy and practice.
Monitoring and Dissemination: Developing indicators and measures to track the impact of HDRC activities and disseminating learning across various audiences.
Ceri Parsons is our Data Impact and Implementation Co-ordinator and works to help RCT Council services to use data when making decisions and is responsible for HDRC public communications, such as this website! Ceri joined RCT Council in 2003 and has years of experience in managing data, service, system and digital improvements and has worked with many different Council service areas, in particular, services that support children, young people, families and the community. In her spare time, Ceri loves going to gigs (and dancing like no-one is watching), playing pool and spending quality time with her family.
Ceri is supported by Alex Jehu, our dedicated HDRC Data Support Officer whose role is to collect, analyse and share data to help RCT Council make better decisions based on strong evidence. After gaining three years of experience in data management working at Cwm Taf Morgannwg Mind, Alex joined RCT Council as a data quality apprentice. His work within the HDRC involves creating and managing databases, ensuring data is accurate, training others on how to use data and collaborate with other HDRC teams across the UK to share knowledge and improve practices. Outside of work, Alex is an avid outdoor enthusiast and adventure seeker where he enjoys everything from hikes to long bike rides.
Engagement and Communications
Building and maintaining strong relationships with our wide range of partners is crucial to the success of RCT HDRC as is ensuring that we are engaging with the right people at the right time and communicating the work of the HDRC to a diverse audience.
Dan Barlow is our Compliance and Engagement Co-ordinator and is responsible for coordinating the delivery of programme administration and compliance functions for the HDRC, ensuring smooth operations and adherence to contractual obligations. Additionally, Dan plays a key role in engaging collaborating partners and stakeholders, fostering strong relationships and facilitating effective communication. By supporting the Strategic Oversight Board and Operational Delivery Group members, Dan ensures that everyone involved in the HDRC is working together to achieve the HDRC's goals of breaking the cycle of poverty and positively impacting health determinants in our community. Dan brings 25 years of teaching and learning experience to the HDRC having taught Welsh and History in valleys comprehensive schools, lectured on Masters courses and worked on national education programmes. Outside of work you’ll find Dan at the top of a mountain, with his nose in a book, at a gig or ferrying his three children around South Wales.
Shannon Lee is our Public and Community Engagement Officer and is our top community supporter, actively involving citizens in the research process. Her role includes recruiting and supporting members of the public to become Lived Experience Advisors and participate in project steering groups. She also delivers public engagement activities to ensure public participation and representativeness, working with people to co-produce and co-deliver knowledge mobilisation projects and research incubation activities. Shannon is a qualified independent advocate and has previously worked for Age Cymru supporting those living with dementia. She has also advocated for students across South Wales in her roles as Students’ Union Welfare Officer and President. Outside of work, Shannon loves to go on hikes around RCT and is always up for trying out new places to eat!
Victoria (Tori) Reynolds is our HDRC Communications Officer, she is responsible for maintaining and reviewing the communication platforms used by the HDRC to ensure all public facing information is accurate, accessible, and timely and developing a digital presence to extend the reach of the programme. Tori’s previous role was managing the prevention team in the homeless department of Cardiff Council, helping the most vulnerable people in the city. Tori enjoys spending time with her family and being outdoors, walks in the rain are her favourite.
Dewi Gillard is our HDRC Collaboration Support Assistant and provides project and administrative support to the team. Dewi joined the Council in 2020 as part of the Test, Trace and Protect team which ignited his passion in using his business administrative skills to benefit the community. In his spare time Dewi is an avid Cardiff City football supporter and has attended nearly 200 games so far!
Zoë leads the HDRC team and has a wealth of experience in working with children, young people, families and the community in the public, private and voluntary sectors. Zoë leads efforts to embed a research culture within the Council working with the Council’s Senior Leadership Team and elected members to champion the use of evidence and make a positive impact on health inequalities. She also works with the Collaboration Partners to set the HDRC strategic direction and with regional and national bodies to deliver the aims of the HDRC. Zoë is accountable for financial oversight of the HDRC and seeking new research and investment opportunities to ensure the future sustainability of the HDRC beyond 2028.
