Tell us about your work and what it involves?

Our job-share covers 2 roles. One is Chief Social Researcher, where we’re the head of profession for all MoJ social researchers, and the other is Head of Family Justice Research and Analysis, a policy-facing analytical team. There’s a strong emphasis on openness in our profession. Social researchers need to be outward-facing to know what academics are doing and learning from others. Openness to ideas at MoJ has also allowed us to work together as a job-share and continue interesting and important roles while supporting our families. We didn’t know each other before we started job-sharing. We both bring different strengths which complement each other so the benefit is you get 2 people’s brains instead of one!

What’s your favourite thing about your job?

Rachel: Feeling like we’re making a positive difference. It’s great to be in a job where we can really have an impact. Alexy: The people. We’re lucky to work with really bright, dedicated colleagues who we like to spend time with.

What was your first job?

R: Concert steward at St-Martins-in-the-Fields age 16.
A: Aside from babysitting and odd holiday jobs, Social Researcher at the Legal Aid Board after university.

What's been your proudest achievement working here?

R: The feedback I've had from colleagues about how I've impacted them with my advice and support. That's when I feel my best, when people say I've inspired them or helped them in their career.
A: Being involved in high-quality pieces of work throughout my career that have been intellectually challenging and seeing that evidence have a real ipact on policy-making.