I am driven to work on projects with positive social impact. My career and analysis skills extend beyond digital and technology into qualitative analysis and social research. I have an MSc in International Development, acheiving a distinction for my immersive fieldwork evaluating a community-led rainwater harvesting project in Mexico.
I am equally comfortable deeply immersed in data and tech, carrying out thorough desk research, or talking to people to understand issues and create solutions. The reality of the modern world is that digital technology and social projects almost always overlap. Data (quantitative and qualitative) is produced in all contexts and offers a medium through which we can all become more effective and grounded in our work.
For example, I have spent years working for the major charities Oxfam and WaterAid using digital data to enhance fundraising and impact. I may be idealistic, but I strongly believe that through data analysis and clear, consistent communication we can all make this world a better place, whether that is through community engagement and bringing people together, or developing policies that support sustainability and use of renewable resources through the green economy.
I would be delighted to hear about any data analysis or desk research projects with social or policy impact. Contact me today to discuss how I might bring my extensive expertise into your project.
Preferential rates are available for charities, NGOs, non-profits, or any organisations with positive social impact.
You can find me on LinkedIn, or email me at [email protected]
I look forward to hearing about your exciting social analysis projects!
ASC (Assist Social Capital) is a Community Interest Company that works to evidence impact and improve outcomes in communities that lead to increased wellbeing, resilience and sustainability. We have worked with a wide range of organisations such as Community Housing Associations, Development Trusts, social enterprises and large charities. In recent years, we have begun focusing on U>P, the impact evaluation and management software platform we developed to support third sector organisations to be able to prove the soft outcomes of their work cost effectively.
A project we worked on recently was to help design a web platform for the circular economy. ASC’s role was to ensure that the end result would measure social benefit as well as environmental benefit. The project called for some additional support from a data analyst. We reached out for someone with an interest in sustainability and community benefit on LinkedIn, which is where we connected with Daniel Robertson.
Daniel was good enough to take the time to learn about the work we were doing beyond the specific project we wanted him to work on and used that understanding of our wider work to great effect within the time limited project he became involved in. It was a huge advantage to work with someone with his skills, but it was even more important to us that he was willing to buy into our approach and to support us on that and this meant as he was able to fit into our culture with ease. The work he produced was exactly what was needed and while the project only lasted with a couple of months, Daniel became part of the team. We would not hesitate to work with Daniel again and he will be the first on our list the next time we need a data analyst for a project.
We are very happy to recommend Daniel to anyone looking to add to their digital skill sets. He is adaptable and passionate about sustainable development and using data analysis to bring that about.
Research & qualitative analysis: MSc International Development
I hold an MSc in International Development from the University of Edinburgh (2018). This gives me a perspective on development challenges through a social science lens, which, allied with my data and tech skills, has huge potential to affect real change and support efforts towards the Sustainable Development Goals.
For my master's thesis primary research, I spent 2 months in Mexico working with The Hunger Project, an international NGO focusing on supporting community-led development, increasing dignity, reducing inequality, and enabling people to reach their potential. My research centred on projects to improve water access through rainwater capture systems. The research was very much focused on collecting and analysing qualitative data through interviews and workshops across different communities and within the organisation itself.
