Astrid  is a flexible working specialist at IES. She brings over 30 years’ experience in skills, employment and workforce development. Her work focuses on supporting employers and policymakers to improve employment practice through robust research, evaluation and employer engagement, with a strong emphasis on translating evidence into practical insight.

She has particular expertise in qualitative and mixed‑methods research, including narrative‑based approaches, and has led and project‑managed a wide range of studies for government departments, employers and third‑sector organisations. Her research covers themes such as workforce retention and progression, management capability, autonomy and job quality, health and disability at work, and flexible working across diverse sectors.

Astrid’s work is strongly informed by her commitment to the ‘good work’ agenda. She has a long‑standing interest in flexible and high‑performance working practices and the role of supportive management and organisational culture in improving outcomes for both individuals and employers. At IES, she contributes to evaluations of national programmes and employer‑led initiatives, as well as rapid evidence assessments and thought leadership on the future of work.

Before joining IES in 2021, Astrid held roles with UK sector skills bodies and worked as an independent consultant, supporting and evaluating skills initiatives in the UK and internationally. This background continues to inform her applied, employer‑focused approach to research and evaluation at IES.

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