Meet the Team
Black Box Research & Consultancy
Dr Grace Robinson
Founder and CEO
Grace is the Founder and CEO of Black Box Research and Consultancy. Having completed her Ph.D on Urban Street Gangs, Child Criminal Exploitation and County Lines in Merseyside, Grace is able to offer contemporary insights into an area with little existing literature. She has worked on over 100 Modern Slavery cases nationally, comprising drugs and weapon offences, fraud, burglary and robbery.
Previously employed by the University of Nottingham's Rights Lab, Grace led on projects; (1) exploring the impact of Covid-19 on County Lines, and (2) examining the intersection between cognitive impairment and exploitation. She also participated in research (3) investigating the prevalence of trafficking and online sexual exploitation of children in the Philippines.
Grace is currently undertaking a course on the Identification, Support and Care for Victims of Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking at St. Mary's University. She continues to share her research across the country, participating in podcasts, radio interviews and documentaries.
Francine McKeown
Senior Consultant
Francine has worked in the criminal justice system, particularly within substance misuse, for 15 years where she has supported both children and adults. Francine is a qualified Probation Officer and has recently taken up the role of Regional Manager at We Are With You (North West), an organisation offering advice to those in need of support in relation to drugs, alcohol and mental health.
Mike Andrews
Account Manager
Mike brings over thirty years experience in his field, twenty of which as a senior account manager with multinational companies. With an extensive history in business management, Mike is an advisor to Black Box Research and Consultancy and is responsible for all aspects of credit control within the company.
For any accounts quieries contact Mike on mike@blackboxresearchandconsultancy.com
Diane Hackney
Account Manager
Diane has extensive experience in customer facing and strategic roles. She has a proven track record in building and strengthening client relationships to achieve long-term partnerships. Diane is responsible for internal admin and maintaining clients' accounts, concerns and needs.