Co-Director

Peter joined NatCen in 2008 and is now acting Co-Director of the Families and Children Group.

Peter’s group draws together a team with substantial experience of conducting large and complex surveys, as well as in-depth, qualitative studies in most areas covered by family policies. Working closely with academic collaborators, the group runs evaluations of a number of government initiatives (Family Intervention Projects, National Evaluation of Children's Centres, Early Education for Disadvantaged 2-year Olds, The Teens and Toddlers Programme Evaluation). The group's work also includes research on childcare provision (Survey of Parents' Use of Childcare) and parental employment (Maternity & Paternity Rights & Mothers' Employment Decisions). Relationship breakdown, child maintenance and domestic violence (Forced Marriage) are also key research areas.

Peter is interested in intimate life, relationships and family functioning/wellbeing and is currently working on research and evaluations in the areas of teenage pregnancy and sexual health, relationship breakdown and support, child maintenance, and disabled children’s access to childcare. Peter also has expertise in designing and carrying out complex mixed-method evaluations. Prior to joining NatCen, Peter worked for many years in the areas of sexuality, HIV, sexual health and risk.