Chris Lees
Research and Policy Manager
Chris leads Money and Mental Health’s research and policy work on essential services and works closely with the Mental Health Accessible team to ensure that lived experience insights are at the heart of our work. This also involves working with our Research Community and designing surveys to hear about their experiences and what they think might help make a difference.
Chris joined Money and Mental Health from Survation, where he was lead project manager. Chris worked on research projects for a variety of clients ranging from charities to political parties. Prior to this, Chris worked at the think tank British Future and was involved in a range of projects including the National Conversation.
In his spare time Chris enjoys reading, listening to music and going to gigs. (he/him)
Policy notes and publications
- When transactions speak louder than words November 4, 2026 - Exploring the potential of transaction data analysis to support people with mental health problems.
- Open to everyone? October 6, 2026 - Ensuring the next phase of financial data sharing works for people with mental health problems.
- Stuck on repeat March 11, 2026 - Making it easier for people with mental health problems to share support needs across essential services providers.
- If I needed someone October 14, 2025 - Improving access to third party financial tools for people with mental health problems.
- Money and Mental Health’s submission to HM Treasury’s call for evidence on the Access to Banking Services Review July 20, 2026 - Our response to the review by highlighting how many people with mental health problems can need to use in-person banking at different times and the impact that not being able to use these services can have on their finances and mental health.
- Money and Mental Health’s submission to the Financial Services Regulation Committee’s Inquiry on the regulation of the consumer insurance market June 26, 2026 - In this policy position, we respond to the inquiry by highlighting the challenges that people with mental health problems face when accessing insurance and how regulation could help address these challenges.
- Money and Mental Health’s submission to Ofwat’s consultation on priority services registers standards for water companies in England and Wales December 20, 2024 - Setting out support out for Ofwat's proposals and outlining areas where Ofwat could go further, such as introducing standards for outcomes and experience of PSR customers.
- Money and Mental Health’s submission to Ofgem’s consultation on Consumer Vulnerability Strategy Refresh November 4, 2024 - In our response to this Consultation, we outline some of the common experiences people with mental health problems face when interacting with essential services providers.
Recent blogs
- Staying in control of payments and data – and why it’s so important to people with mental health problems September 24, 2026
- Do you believe in support after sharing? A principles based approach to data sharing in essential services April 23, 2026
- If I could tell you once – ensuring data sharing in essential services actually leads to caring March 12, 2026
- Stuck on repeat – the potential of data sharing in essential services March 11, 2026
- All together now – how to improve third party access in financial services October 16, 2025