Lara Macdonald is a Senior Policy Advisor in Government. She was seconded to the Chief Scientific Advisor for Policing’s Office for the last year where she provided independent advice on how science and technology can be used most effectively and responsibly across the criminal justice system.

Previously, Lara worked at the Centre for Data Ethics and Innovation where she led partnership projects in the policing and children’s social care sectors. She commissioned independent research and developed practical outputs, such as guidance documents and co-production resources, for police officers, local authorities and social workers on how to use data and new technologies in a legal and ethical way. Lara is passionate about the application of innovative, evidence-based interventions to support young people away from violence.