Dr Naomi Clemons (MSc by Research in Policing (by Thesis) 2018, Postgraduate Certificate in Academic Practice  2018 and PhD Thesis (Law, Policing and Social Sciences) 2023) is a freelance social researcher who runs an independent consultancy. She spent over 17 years working in research, evaluation and analysis in the public sector as well as a teaching at a university. She has had a variety of roles and has taken the less traditional route into research, read on to find out more.

Can you tell us a bit about what you do: when did you start in research, and what sort of research do you now do?

I am a freelance social researcher and the Managing Director of N2 Research and Analytics, an independent consultancy specialising in research and evaluation in the public sector. My journey into research wasn’t exactly traditional – I didn’t start out with a clear plan to become a researcher, and I certainly didn’t see myself working in academia or consultancy when I first started my career after university.

My first exposure to research came during my undergraduate degree in Psychology at the University of Kent, where I became fascinated by criminal justice research and the different ways information and data were gathered and analysed and used to inform decision making in a range of areas. Towards the end of my degree, I knew that I wanted to work in the criminal justice arena in some way and explored options with the Probation service, Prison service and Police service. This interest ultimately led me to a role as an intelligence analyst with Kent Police, where I honed my skills in quantitative data and intelligence analysis, pattern recognition, and strategic decision-making. But it also exposed me to report writing in various forms, how to use the data and information that you had to make recommendations and inform decision making, but also how to highlight the gaps in knowledge.

Over the years, I moved between roles in academia, such as teaching Criminology at CCCU and the public sector with my most recent role before transiting to consultancy work being the Head of Evaluation at Kent County Council. During this time I also completed a Master’s by Research in Policing, followed by a PhD in Criminal Justice, whilst my day to day job allowed me to continue working in areas such as public health, education, mental health, and youth violence. Now, as a research consultant, I undertaken a variety of different projects that draw together all of the skills I have built up over the last 17 years. This includes design and conduct evaluations and research projects that inform policy, service design, and decision-making for local authorities and public sector organisations. I also provide research and evaluation services to charities and other small organisation. I use quantitative and qualitive methods often, designing surveys, conducting and analysing interviews and creating evaluation frameworks.

Why did you decide to set up on your own?

“After spending 17 years in public sector research, I reached a point where I wanted more flexibility, more variety in the work I took on, and more control over my career. I had worked with consultants in my previous roles but had never seriously considered it as an option for myself. However, I realised that freelance research could allow me to work across multiple sectors, collaborate with a diverse range of professionals, and focus on projects that truly interested me all whilst continuing to work with the public sector.”

I took a strategic approach—networking, reaching out to other freelancers, and learning about the business side of consultancy. Like any research project, I identified what I needed to learn and tackled it step by step. The more I explored, the more I realised that this was the right path for me at this point

What have been some of the benefits?

One of the biggest benefits has been the ability to shape my own career. I can now focus on projects that align with my interests and values, whether that’s evaluating criminal justice and public health interventions, analysing trends in crime or education data, conducting qualitative insight research to provide feedback to commissioners or service providers or creating Theories of Change and evaluation frameworks.

I’ve also found that the freelance research consultancy community is incredibly supportive. I’ve been able to collaborate with other freelancers, learn from their experiences, and develop partnerships that wouldn’t have been possible in a traditional job. The variety of work keeps me engaged, and I love the challenge of adapting my skills to different contexts.

What have been some of the challenges?

Transitioning from employment to self-employment isn’t without its challenges. One of the biggest hurdles was getting comfortable with the business side of things—marketing myself, managing contracts, and handling the financial aspects of running a consultancy.

There’s also a level of uncertainty that comes with freelancing. Unlike a salaried role, work isn’t always predictable, and there can be periods of feast and famine. However, I’ve found that by building strong relationships, maintaining a good network, and diversifying my work, I’ve been able to make a good start so far.

What practical advice would you give to someone looking to become a research consultant?

1. Start networking early – Connect with other research consultants, attend industry events, and reach out to people who have already made the leap. Many freelancers are happy to share their experiences and offer advice.
2. Treat it like a research project – Identify the gaps in your knowledge, whether it’s business skills, pricing, or client management, and take steps to learn and upskill.
3. Be open to different types of work – The best way to gain experience is to say yes to opportunities that align with your skills, even if they are outside your usual comfort zone.
4. Build a strong online presence – Whether it’s through LinkedIn, a personal website, or professional networks, make sure people know what you do and how they can work with you.
5. Trust yourself – If you have experience in research, analysis, and evaluation, you already have the skills needed to succeed as a consultant. The challenge is in applying them in a new way.

Starting my own consultancy has been an exciting, challenging, and rewarding journey, and I’m looking forward to what comes next. For anyone thinking about making the move into freelance social research—go for it! There’s a whole community out there ready to support you.