Chief Scientific Advisors
CSA for delivering a skilled workforce and fair employment
James Robson is Associate Professor of Tertiary Education Systems at the University of Oxford’s Department of Education, where he also serves as Director of Research and as Director of the Centre on Skills, Knowledge and Organisational Performance (SKOPE). His research explores the political economy of tertiary education: how education systems can better connect with employment, respond to skills demand, support innovation ecosystems, and advance social justice.
“Ensuring people have the skills they need to flourish in their careers and supporting employers to develop meaningful, skilled employment opportunities are essential to both healthy communities and a strong economy. I’m delighted to join the Local Policy Lab as CSA to lead work in this area and to be part of such an innovative approach to place-based policy making.”
CSA for ensuring a healthy standard of living for all
Joanna Crocker is a Senior Researcher in the Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences at the University of Oxford. She specialises in patient, public and community involvement in health research, with a particular interest in how such involvement can reduce health inequalities.
“I am honoured and excited to help develop a collaborative local research agenda under the theme, ‘Ensuring a Healthy Standard of Living for All.’ Health inequalities are among the most pressing challenges facing Oxfordshire. We have a unique opportunity to address these by aligning around shared goals and committing to collective action rooted in community priorities.”
CSA for enabling children and young people to thrive
Jonathan Reid is an Associate Professor of Education in the School of Education, Humanities and Languages at Oxford Brookes University. His research focuses on inclusion and exclusion in education, with particular interest in children and young people with diverse needs, adversity, trauma, and wellbeing.
“I am delighted to join the Local Policy Lab as Chief Scientific Advisor for the ‘Enabling Children and Young People to Thrive’ Policy Lab theme. Addressing persistent childhood disparities in Oxfordshire requires imaginative, community-focused research. I look forward to helping shape a collaborative agenda that illuminates lived experience, informs effective policy, and promotes more equitable opportunities for all children and young people.”
