Specialists in Insight and Engagement
We've established our reputation as the 'go to' experts for Insight and Engagement programmes in Education and Social Care. Whether it be our innovative outreach activities through Cosmos Engagement, or leading research and evaluation programmes through Cosmos Insight.
Our Offer
Thanks to our proven track record for success, we’re proud to have grown our network of clients across the UK. These range from HEIs, Uni Connect consortia networks, HE Marketing and Access & WP teams, Students Services teams, Schools & Colleges, Local Authorities, and Independent Fostering Agencies.
The synergy of our two divisions enables us to provide a suite of services that perfectly support our clients to succeed. From increasing student engagement and attainment, to supporting the creation of more effective Access and Participation Plans, we’ve helped our clients achieve impressive results.
Our Values
We want to use data science and technology to create parity in education and empower students to successfully progress in their educational journey.
Our Core Values:
- Original
- Vibrant
- Invested
- Accomplished
- Human
Our culture is driven by freedom. Freedom to be creative, to deliver original outputs in a vibrant environment. We care deeply about our work and are invested in its many positive outcomes. Our accomplished yet human approach helps us deliver meaningful change.
Our People
Sean Dirrane
Managing Director
I previously had a career at Leeds Beckett University, initially as a Widening Participation Practitioner and latterly as a WP Manager: Research & Evaluation. I’m passionate about working with young people to develop and empower them.
I was born into disadvantage and was subsequently taken into foster care at the age of 11 and therefore have first-hand experience of some of the challenges our young people face. Education transformed and helped me get where I am today, despite being looked after until the age of 18. I’m a Sports enthusiast and was selected to run for Great Britain at the European Championships during my university studies. I also graduated with a BSc in Sports & Exercise Science and a MSc in Sports & Exercise Nutrition.
Sarah Dirrane
Director, Research & Strategy
I’ve worked in Higher Education and the public sector for 10+ years and have a sound understanding of the wider context, national aims and objectives of work within these sectors. Whether it be a rich qualitative study or large-scale quantitative programme, I enjoy helping clients answer the big questions, make continuous improvements or identify what works and why.
As a trained researcher at heart and firm believer in harnessing an evidence-led approach, I will always be fully committed to delivering truly insightful programmes that can help make a positive difference.
Daniel Todd
Head of Content & Development
I’ve worked in a number of different roles in Higher Education, with the majority of my experience coming from working with young people within Widening Participation, Outreach and Student Recruitment teams.
After completing my degree in Entertainment Management, I found myself working within the universities WP team on a Graduate Scheme. From there, I’ve continued to progress my career within this sector, as I’m passionate about helping young people realise their full potential. As a non-traditional, first generation HE student myself, I have seen first-hand the transformative and lifechanging effect education can have on people.
