Team
Our team brings energy, skills and a real commitment to improving lives.
With hands-on leadership by co-founders Avis Johns and Toby Blume, our effective analysis combined with practical, person-centred creativity helps our clients tackle some of society’s most pressing challenges.
Avis Johns
Director, Co-Founder
Avis specialises in the application of behavioural insights and social marketing and has worked in public health, education, community and commercial settings to devise, lead and evaluate activities that improve lives.
She leads our work in strategic planning and brand engagement bringing her passion for facilitation and co-creation to support our clients on the journey.
She brings empathy, ambition, creativity and evidence to every project. Whether it’s asking hard questions about organisational objectives or drilling down into what makes people tick she brings her passion – and pragmatism - to every project.
Get in touch: avis@social-engine.co.uk or 07958 931 465
Toby Blume
Director, Co-Founder
Toby has been designing and delivering new ways to tackle social, economic and environmental challenges in the public and not for profit sectors since the 1990s. Astute and precise, he interrogates data and evidence sources to reveal the insights that drive improvement.
Combined with his practitioner experience he understands how to translate evidence into practice ensuring that the solutions are grounded in what is practical.
A pioneer in the application of behavioural insights in local government his earliest trials in revenue collection, demand management and channel shift are award-winning. From supporting the smallest community and marginalised groups, through to navigating Government Departments and public bodies, Toby brings authority, experience and a vision for change focused squarely on improving lives and working practices.
Get in touch: toby@social-engine.co.uk or 07985 440 276
Agatha Bataille
Insights Analyst
With a PhD in Social Psychology, Agatha brings a deep understanding of human behaviour. She has substantial research experience underpinning her understanding of the motivations, influences and challenges faced by individuals and communities. Her strong analytical skills ensure that even the most complex data can yield precise and actionable insights, ensuring our projects are driven by evidence.
Yolanda Taylor
Project Officer
Yolanda is highly organised, with a keen eye for detail, and brings a thoughtful, people-focused approach to her work. With a degree in English and American studies, she has a good understanding of how improvements in policy and practice can lead to social benefit at local, national and international levels. As Project Officer, she applies her written, organisational and engagement skills to ensure our clients are supported effectively at all stages of their work with us.
Mike Williams
Creative Lead
Mike uses person-centred design approaches to create behavioural interventions, including brands, websites, campaigns and experiences that change the world for the better.
His goal is to create a compelling concept, underpinned by sound strategy and brought to life with resonant copy and creative.
Mike has delivered successful projects for high profile organisations including The Royal Society, Drinkaware, Paul Hamlyn Foundation, The Electoral Commission, London Borough of Redbridge, Citizen, Catalyst, Dimensions and Mencap.
Peter John
Senior Research Advisor
Peter John is Professor of Public Policy at King’s College London and a global expert in behavioural insights and randomised controlled trials.
Author of several books on behavioural interventions in public policy including Nudge, Nudge, Think, Think: Experimenting with Ways to Change Civic Behaviour (Bloomsbury, 2011) and Field Experiments in Political Science, he has extensive experience of applying academic rigour to projects across numerous local authorities and government departments.
Penny Neu
Communications Specialist
Penny’s communications specialism has been honed by many years advising leadership teams and boards on how to maximise their impact and engagement activities.
Expert in developing strategy, building and leading teams, her astute approach to stakeholder management is behind many successful projects - from Whitehall to local government and the BBC.
Working alongside our core team we work with an established group of specialists providing additional research, design, digital, copywriting, comms and engagement expertise, as required by our projects.