Cara Gates

Background

About Cara Gates

Current Role - Embedded researcher within the Leeds Health and Care Academy, leading a programme of evaluation activities to support the strategic priorities of the organisation and wider system partnership. Priority areas concern health equity, health and care workforce wellbeing, initiatives to motivate and inspire the future workforce, and promoting positive workplace culture-Previous experience, skills and achievements- My previous role was a postdoctoral research fellow for FReSH START, a 5-year NIHR-funded programme grant implementing standardised therapy in the NHS for people who self-harm. Project management duties: leading a process evaluation for the implementation of the complex intervention; leading lived-experience involvement activities such as workshops and video presentations; carrying out additional qualitative inquiry in response to the closure of self-harm support services during the COVID-19 pandemic. Varied research experience in studies utilising mixed methodologies, carrying out evaluation of clinical training and education programmes, conduct of medicines trials in clinical environments, and psychosocial interventions. Expertise in qualitative observation methods, and competent in computing statistical analyses and interpreting numerical data owing to my first degree in Mathematics. Carefully developed listening and communication skills, and experience in working with people enduring adverse circumstances including dementia, self-harm and alcohol addiction. A strong record of writing to a high academic standard as demonstrated by my record of peer-review publications and contributions to funders reports, in addition to verbal presentations at academic and practise-based conferences. Able to translate research concepts and complex findings to members of the public through written and verbal modes of communication. Teaching experience which has largely been through the Individuals and Populations module for medical trainees at the University of Leeds, having delivered lectures on dementia and tutored a cohort of students in their group activities (involving teaching and marking assignments). I am also skilled in supervising and mentoring others through acting as a primary supervisor for doctoral students, and supporting colleagues to undertake evaluation activities through my role as an embedded researcher.