Bridge Group welcomes new team members

12/09/23

So far in 2023, the Bridge Group has recruited three new members of staff, promoted one employee to a more senior role, and gained two extra Associate Researchers. Meet the new members of the team below, and find out why they wanted to come and work with us.

Dr Aleksandra Kubica

Senior Researcher (Qualitative)

Dr Aleksandra Kubica (Ola) has just been promoted to the role of Senior Researcher (Qualitative). Previously, Ola was one of the Bridge Group’s Research Officers, during which time she worked with organisations such as the Sutton Trust and the Social Mobility Foundation, as well as various universities and clients in the private sector. Ola says:

“I find the Bridge Group a great organisation to work for – the team is curious, reliable, highly skilled and collaborative. People also care for each other and listen to one another, which I think is important in any workplace. The projects I’ve had a pleasure to work on so far have been stimulating and expanded my experience in research methods, in particular qualitative ones. I’m thrilled to be starting a new role now and I look forward to working further with my colleagues on current and upcoming projects!”

Jennifer Thorpe

Quantitative Researcher

Jennifer Thorpe started working at the Bridge Group earlier this year as a Quantitative Researcher, assisting the team in the collection and analysis of data relating to higher education and career development. Jennifer says:

“I began my career with degrees in geography and global public health, later working as a research assistant at several universities. During this time, I became increasingly frustrated by the inequalities and socioeconomic barriers that permeate the higher education sector. These experiences ultimately guided my decision to join the Bridge Group in March 2023.
“I was attracted to the charity’s distinct approach in tackling social inequality. Specifically, the Bridge Group works directly with organisations to instigate institutional change from the inside. As such, the research and recommendations serve to both widen participation and progression, ensuring that institutions cultivate an environment where those from underrepresented communities can thrive.
“With support from the Bridge Group, I will be continuing my role on a part-time basis while I complete my PhD in Neurosciences. My research hopes to complement some of the Bridge Group’s work, by focusing on the disability wage gap in the UK and abroad.”

Lotte van Buuren

Finance and Operations Officer

Lotte van Buuren is Interim Finance and Operations Officer at the Bridge Group (maternity cover). She supports the day-to-day financial administration of the charity and preparations for seminars and events. Lotte says:

“It’s exciting to be part of an organisation that has a practical approach to increasing socio-economic diversity and social equality in the UK. I think it can really make a difference by providing organisations with consultancy services that are rooted in research.
“In addition, the team at the Bridge Group is great! Even though we work remotely, everyone is supportive, responsive and welcoming. I’m hoping to join an in-person meeting sometime soon to meet everyone in person.”

Kate Newrick started work as the Bridge Group’s Communications Officer in June. Kate uses various channels of communication, including website, social media and email, to raise the profile and increase the impact of the Bridge Group’s work across the UK. Kate says:

“I am very excited to be working with an organisation so focused on the data and evidence. The Bridge Group is a very pragmatic charity to work for; creating toolkits and practical advice and recommendations that give the know-how necessary for organisations to make real change. I like this approach - it is refreshing to work somewhere where the evidence speaks for itself and decisions are made based on scientific method and objectivity. My work, and collaborating with such a strong team, brings to mind my scientific education and emphasises the equitableness of scientific thinking.”

Furthermore, soon to join the Bridge Group team is our new Senior Research Officer (Quantitative). Watch this space for an introduction and meet the rest of the staff team.

Good luck but not goodbye

Last, but by no means least, after three years working with us as Senior Researchers, Dr Jack Layton and Muslihah Albakri have moved on to alternative positions elsewhere, and we wish them the very best in their new roles. We are also delighted that their involvement with us will continue as they have both offered their ongoing, invaluable expertise by becoming Bridge Group Associate Researchers. You can meet our growing portfolio of Associate Researchers here.