As I reflect on my second year as Research Manager at TONIC, I can confidently say I’ve been pushed well outside of my comfort zone, and I’ve loved every minute of it.

In my first year, I focused mainly on shorter-term projects relating to support for victims and survivors, an area that has always been close to my heart and where my passion and expertise lie. This past year, however, I’ve had the opportunity to step into something new: being part of and leading on longer-term evaluations and large-scale national projects.

Working with and managing partnerships with organisations such as RAND, Ipsos, Dartington Service Design Lab, various universities, Catch22, and St Giles has been both challenging and incredibly rewarding. There’s never a day where I don’t learn something new.

Throughout my two years at TONIC, what has been consistent is the brilliant team I get to work with every day. Collaborating with such knowledgeable, skilled, and passionate colleagues is a privilege. This year, we’ve also welcomed new team members whose diverse experiences and perspectives have brought a real breath of fresh air.

I can’t wait to see what the next 12 months have in store. Here’s to another year of research, learning and impact!.  

Written by Jessica Simms, Research Manager October 2025