Catherine Partridge

Meet Catherine

Catherine Partridge is a Digital Inclusion Coordinator in the #CovConnects team. Her role focuses on helping residents access digital tools and support, like free laptops, Wi-Fi units, and drop-in sessions. But as a Research Ambassador, she’s taken this work even further. 

Through her Research Ambassador role, Catherine has: 

• Connected university researchers with community organisations to co-create solutions. 

• Supported student-led evaluations of Council services like the #CovConnects device bank. 

• Helped her team embed research into everyday decision-making, including mentoring students and streamlining data collection. 

• Sparked exciting collaborations, like an augmented reality exhibition in Broadgate and digital inclusion workshops with older residents. 

Why become a Research Ambassador? 

Catherine says the Research Ambassador role has been a catalyst for her personal and professional development: 

“It’s about joining the dots, connecting creative researchers with our teams and communities. That’s been really exciting and really lovely.” 

Through her involvement as a Research Ambassador, Catherine has gained: 

• A deeper understanding of research methods 

• Confidence in writing and supporting funding bids 

• New skills in project evaluation and reporting 

• Opportunities to host and take part in learning sessions like HDRC’s So What? Club, where staff explore how research can improve services 

Perhaps most importantly of all, Catherine shares:

“It used to feel like research was something distant or elitist. But HDRC makes it feel grounded - it’s about real people, real communities, and making a difference.” 

Being a Research Ambassador is a unique opportunity to: 

• Grow skills 

• Build new connections 

• Shape better services for Coventry 

• Be part of a supportive, passionate network