Robin has worked at OPM since 1997, but also had spells with the Institute for Public Policy Research and the Prime Minister’s Office of Public Service Reform since then. He specialises in qualitative research and public engagement. Much of this work has been based on a belief that given the necessary time and information members of the public can play a vital role in helping to improve public services. Recently Robin worked with the London Borough of Lewisham to help them understand the worklessness experience from the service user perspective, particularly inefficiencies and lack of user empowerment within much of the current system. Robin’s work at OPM also covers policy development, implementation and analysis across many parts of the public sector. His current focus is on how digital tools and face to face engagement can play a role in helping to build Big Society type initiatives.