Dr. Andrew Davies

Since joining Wavehill in 2005, Andrew has led on several high-profile evaluations and research projects. Most recently he has completed a Wales-wide evaluation of the ESF-funded Social Risk Fund, a flagship WCVA programme to combat social exclusion and promote employability. He has also recently led a large-scale opinion survey for the Pembrokeshire Community Planning Group to assist with the development of the County's Community Strategy 2008-13.

Young People and Education are two particular research interests of Andrew's and he has built a considerable portfolio of work in these areas; in the past year, he has evaluated three innovative ESF projects in the fields of education, including Swansea Training Pathways and the Inclusive Learning Project in Neath Port Talbot. He also oversaw a research project to consult with post-16 providers on the development of the Welsh Assembly Government's draft proposals to recognise and reward excellence.

Andrew is a fluent Welsh-speaker and has published a number of academic studies of young people and social identity, and has recently led for Wavehill on evaluating the impact of Big Lottery's UK-wide Young People's Fund in Wales. He has also completed a programme of research for Mantais to explore the attitudes of prospective higher education students towards Welsh-medium and bilingual study at University.

Prior to joining Wavehill Andrew was a Research Associate at Cardiff University School of Social Sciences, before working as Principal Officer for Consultation in the Social Care and Housing Department at Carmarthenshire County Council.