Phil Back BA, MMRS

Phil is a consultation and research expert with more than twenty years’ experience using both qualitative and quantitative methodologies, and a highly experienced designer, implementer and manager of research and consultation projects. Formerly Head of Local Government Research at RBA, a specialist local government research consultancy, Phil is now working as an independent research associate drawing on his experience of researching in the public sector. Phil’s track record includes the prestigious MRS national award for Excellence in Public Policy Research, which he won for his work with Braintree District Council in 2005; a similar project with Wakefield Council won the LARIA award in 2006. This work, on customer services, led on to several other commissions for similar work in other authorities.

Phil has worked in and with local communities, using techniques such as Planning for Real and participatory methods to enable and empower communities and stakeholders to develop and implement their own priorities and solutions for community needs. He has worked with Ashley Godfrey Associates on a number of parks and open spaces projects.

Phil has a degree in history (Stirling, 1974) and a postgraduate certificate in transport history ( York, 2003). He is a Full Member of the Market Research Society, and a member of the Social Research Association and the Local Authorities’ Research and Intelligence Association.

Mapalytics

Pete Sinclair is the joint owner and Technical Director of Mapalytics. Pete has provided Ashley Godfrey Associates with Geographical Information Services for a range of projects including open space studies. He also supports the local authorities that are piloting the performance indicators for play.