Jo is Research Director at nfpSynergy. She oversees qualitative research across the company, ensuring we deliver excellent research design, moderation and analysis – as well as leading on innovation and training in qualitative methodologies. Jo manages a range of qualitative and quantitative bespoke projects, with a particular focus on understanding the needs of service users, evaluation studies and research exploring public perceptions and attitudes. Current projects include two multi-year grant evaluation projects for The Clothworkers’ Foundation.

Jo also overseas our quarterly Sector Insight research, exploring key trends in public attitudes to charities and drawing out what they mean for our clients. Jo previously led on all of our general public audience research including nfpSynergy’s Charity Awareness Monitor and continues to present on our public research at client away days. She moderates our annual focus group programme in the UK and Ireland for Charity Awareness Monitor and Irish Charity Engagement Monitor clients, exploring topical sector issues with donors.

Jo has an MSc in Social Policy (Research) with distinction from the London School of Economics (LSE). She also has a degree in English Literature and History of Art from the University of York. Prior to joining nfpSynergy, Jo worked as a researcher for a grant giving and educational charity focusing on children and young people’s issues. She has also previously worked for charities including MSI Reproductive Choices.

Jo's articles

Alison Forero Research and Administrative Officer

Alison Forero is a Research and Administrative Assistant at nfpSynergy.

Anne-Sophie Liv Data and Research Analyst

Anne-Sophie joined nfpSynergy in May 2017. She currently leads on the Celtic Charity Awareness Monitor (CCAM) whilst also supporting research in the wider Public Audiences team including the Charity Awareness Monitor (CAM).

Becca Thomas Content Curator

Becca works as a part-time Content Curator for nfpSynergy overseeing the company's blog, newsletter, and social media output.

Berni White Head of Finance and People

Berni first joined nfpSynergy as an Admin and Finance Officer in July 2015, providing admin support to the Business Team as well as completing the company's book-keeping. She is now Head of Finance and People.

Cian Murphy Co Managing Director

Cian is Co Managing Director of nfpSynergy alongside Tim Harrison-Byrne. Cian and Tim are responsible for all aspects of nfpSynergy's work.

Eva Spencer Research Officer

Eva joined nfpSynergy in December 2020 and primarily works with the Public Audiences team, providing research and general administrative support.

Heather Sturgess Head of Influencer Audiences Research

Heather joined nfpSynergy in 2016 and heads up our Influencer Audiences team, helping charities evaluate and strengthen their engagement with politicians, journalists and healthcare professionals.

Jemma Smith Data Processor

Jemma has been in the research industry for over 20 years since leaving University and has worked across numerous industry sectors specialising in Charity and Consumer research. Jemma is a part-time Data Processor at nfpSynergy.

Joe Saxton Driver of Ideas

Joe Saxton is Driver of Ideas at nfpSynergy and its founder. Joe works on a range of specific projects, especially those that look at strategic advice on fundraising or communications, or wider organisational issues.

Katharina Zistler Researcher

Katharina joined nfpSynergy in February 2020 as a Researcher for the projects team working on design and analysis of bespoke projects.

Max Roche Research Officer

Max joined nfpSynergy in January 2020 as a Research Assistant. He works with the Influencer Audiences team and helps manage the company media output.

Peter Dawson Researcher

Peter joined nfpSynergy in June 2018 and supports the work undertaken by the Public Audiences team assisting on the production and delivery of the Charity Awareness Monitor.