Samantha manages the Peer Research team and oversees the delivery of local and national research and evaluation projects. She coordinates SDF’s volunteering activity, which provides opportunities for involvement and empowerment of people with lived and living experience of substance use. 

Key Responsibilities:

– Coordination of the delivery of research and evaluation projects and line management of Development Officers facilitating these.

– Leading SDF’s volunteering programme, which is primarily focused on recruitment, support and development of peer research volunteers.

– Working with local and national stakeholders and commissioners to develop projects and implement findings meaningfully.

– Seeking opportunities to promote SDF’s research activity and further expand the programme.

Background: 

Samantha has a BSc in Psychology, with her final year dissertation project looking at legal highs. She completed a leadership programme with the Young Women’s Movement and Scottish Government, which focused on inclusion of vulnerable groups in social research. She has third sector experience supporting and developing volunteers and working with vulnerable groups.