Research lacks influence
Improve the way insights shape product decisions.
Research Mentoring
One-to-one mentoring for user researchers looking to strengthen planning, moderation, synthesis and stakeholder influence.
Hourly Support
£75 per hour
Designed for
- Individual researchers
- User research teams
- Research planning
- Professional development
- Flexible hourly sessions
Need something different? Longer-term mentoring or embedded research leadership can be arranged where required.
What research mentoring actually is
Better researchers don’t collect more insight. They create more impact.
Research Mentoring helps researchers improve every stage of the research process, from planning and moderation through to synthesis and influencing product decisions.
Rather than teaching theory, sessions focus on practical challenges drawn from your current projects.
You’ll leave with stronger research practice and greater confidence influencing product decisions.
Common problems
Moderation feels difficult
Develop greater confidence running research sessions.
Stakeholders challenge findings
Improve communication and research credibility.
You want to develop faster
Receive experienced support while working on real projects.
Why work with me
The value of research isn’t collecting insight. It’s changing decisions.
I help researchers strengthen planning, moderation, synthesis and stakeholder communication using practical project work rather than classroom training.
Every session is designed around your real challenges.
Is this right for you?
- 01
You’re developing as a researcher
You want practical support as a junior or mid-level researcher.
- 02
You’re moving into leadership
You want to strengthen judgement, influence and research decision making.
- 03
You carry out research as part of another role
You need practical support planning, moderating or communicating research.
- 04
You need support on live research
You want mentoring connected to active projects and real stakeholder challenges.
What you’ll receive
One-to-one mentoring
Focused support tailored around your research experience, goals and current challenges.
Research planning support
Practical help shaping research objectives, methods, discussion guides and approach.
Moderation coaching
Guidance to improve confidence and quality when running research sessions.
Insight reviews
Feedback on synthesis, findings, evidence quality and recommendation framing.
Stakeholder coaching
Support communicating research in ways that influence decisions and build credibility.
Follow-up notes
Concise notes capturing key discussion points and agreed actions.
What’s not included
- Participant recruitment
- Research delivery on your behalf
- Participant incentives
- Formal training course
- Ongoing line management
Example deliverables
01
Mentoring session notes
A concise record of the main discussion points, feedback and next steps.
02
Research planning feedback
Practical guidance on objectives, methods, discussion guides or research design.
03
Insight review summary
Feedback on synthesis, findings and how research is communicated to stakeholders.
04
Development action plan
A focused list of practical actions to strengthen research practice and influence.
Typical timeline
Session 1
Goals and research context
Discuss your goals, current research challenges and any live work you want to review.
Follow-up
Coaching and next steps
Review progress, discuss active research challenges and agree practical next steps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Research Mentoring designed for?
Research Mentoring is designed for people who want to strengthen their research practice and influence. Typical examples include: • User Researchers. • Service Designers. • Product Designers carrying out research. • Lead Researchers. • Product Managers running Discovery.
Can we discuss live research?
Yes. Most sessions are centred around active projects.
Is mentoring remote?
Usually, although in-person sessions are available.
Can organisations book mentoring?
Absolutely. Many organisations use mentoring to develop internal research capability.
Where are you based?
I’m based in Manchester, UK and work with organisations across the UK, Europe and internationally. Most projects are delivered remotely, although I’m happy to travel for workshops, stakeholder sessions and key project milestones where required.
Do you work remotely?
Yes. Most projects are delivered remotely using Microsoft Teams, Google Meet or Zoom. Working remotely allows me to support organisations across the UK and internationally while remaining flexible and cost-effective.
Will I work directly with you?
Yes. Every project is delivered by me. If additional specialist support is ever needed, I’ll discuss it with you first, but you’ll always work directly with me throughout the project.
Can you work alongside our existing team?
Absolutely. Many clients already have designers, researchers, developers or product managers in place. I can provide additional capacity, independent advice or senior support without disrupting the way your team already works.
Do you only work with large organisations?
No. I’ve worked with startups, SMEs, agencies, charities, public sector organisations and global enterprises. Every engagement is tailored to the size, complexity and goals of the organisation.
What if my project doesn’t fit one of your fixed engagements?
The fixed engagements are designed around the most common types of engagement. If your project requires something different, I’ll create a bespoke proposal based on your goals, timescales and scope.
How quickly can you start?
Availability varies throughout the year, but many fixed engagements can begin within one to two weeks. If you have an urgent requirement, let me know and I’ll always do my best to accommodate it.
Do you sign NDAs and work with confidential information?
Yes. Much of my work has involved commercially sensitive products, government services and confidential research. I’m happy to sign NDAs and regularly work with organisations where confidentiality is essential.
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LET'S WORK TOGETHER
Ready to improve your product?
UX, research and product leadership for teams tackling complex digital services.
Previous feedback
I had a fantastic experience working with Andy. One of his most impressive achievements during our time at NHS HEE was masterminding a deeply complex information architecture for a new platform that brought together a large number of legacy websites.
Will Parkhouse
Senior Content Designer
If you’d like experienced support while developing your research skills, let’s discuss whether Research Mentoring is the right fit.