Simon Hurst

Simon Hurst is a highly experienced Senior User Researcher currently employed at Hippo Digital since August 2022. Previously, Simon held the position of Lead User Researcher at the Department for Education from January 2020 to August 2022, where leadership in user-centered design, accessibility training, and the user research program for the department's COVID response were key responsibilities. Prior roles include User Researcher at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, and Senior User Researcher at Co-op, where contributions included the development of user research principles and guidance. Early career experience involved significant work at the Department for Work and Pensions, with a focus on research strategies for critical programs like the Personal Independence Payment. Academic qualifications include an MSc in Digital Inclusion from Middlesex University and a Certificate in Accessibility from the University of Southampton.