Raj Patel is the strategic lead for policy engagement and impact at Understanding Society. With a background in research and policy, he has operated across government, business, academia, and the charity sector at a senior level. He champions the use of Understanding Society in policy research and evaluation. Raj was previously a Director at the Learning & Skills Network and headed up Research and Development at the Neighbourhood Renewal Unit in the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (now MHCLG)