Tori Olphin, MBE

Tori Olphin is an experienced Director of Research and Data Science and fellow of the Royal Statistical Society, with specialisations in predictive algorithm design in the public sector and in designing and running randomised controlled trials in live public sector environments.

Tori's accomplishments include having built predictive solutions for resource management and case allocation, and testing of such algorithmic tools using randomised controlled trials. In addition, Tori has designed and completed 6 randomised controlled trials of interventions in live public sector environments, across policing, social services and education. She has also worked on between 200 and 250 research projects in the public sector as a quantitative researcher and advisor, gaining a lot of insight into the public sector research process.

In her role as Head of Data Science and Research at Thames Valley Violence Prevention Partnership, Tori developed a comprehensive research project lifecycle methodology. This approach aims to standardise high-quality research delivery across the UK public sector, ensuring consistent and effective outcomes, and allowing for a public health approach to be taken to violence prevention. Her recent work includes development of an algorithmic risk assessment tool for domestic abuse risk, as well as the running of multiple randomised controlled trials in live environments.

Tori's deep understanding of AI tools and their application in the public sector, combined with her expertise in research and change management, makes her a formidable problem solver. She is adept at advising on, developing, and implementing research, technology, and data science tools to create lasting solutions for public sector challenges.

Holding a Master’s degree in Applied Criminology and Police Management from the University of Cambridge, which she earned while serving as a police officer, Tori leverages her extensive knowledge across various departments and roles. This allows her to combine high quality research with real-world knowledge, ensuring that solutions can actually be used in the public sector. She is currently a PhD Candidate at Clare College, University of Cambridge, focusing on predicting the solvability of burglary offences. Tori has also published numerous academic articles and book chapters.

In 2024, Tori was honoured with an MBE for her contributions to technology in the public sector. This accolade highlights her work on risk awareness, transparency in AI and machine learning development, and her efforts to build a robust evidence base in the UK public sector.