Research
My research examines how inclusive educational practices, community led development, and strategic communication shape social, cultural and economic outcomes. I work across higher education, the voluntary sector and urban communities to understand how people and organisations create change, and how evidence informed interventions can build community wealth, strengthen local resilience and improve policy and practice.
A central strand of my work focuses on widening participation and inclusive pedagogy. My research on placement education - currently the largest study of its kind - demonstrates how work based learning can boost academic achievement and narrow awarding gaps. This work has been recognised through a Journal of Learning Development in Higher Education Article of the Year nomination and has informed QAA guidance, University of Liverpool policy and sector discussions about inclusive employability and authentic learning.
My research also explores community led regeneration and the contribution of grassroots organisations to neighbourhood transformation. Much of the impact I have generated in this area stems from long standing collaborations with Safe Regeneration exploring social return on investment, added value of collaborative approaches, and strategies for organisational sustainability. This work that has shaped voluntary sector practice, local authority policy and national thinking on community asset development, housing and cultural infrastructure. The Neighbourhood Transformation Planning Tool represents the latest stage of this collaborative programme - while still in its early phases, it builds on established evidence and is beginning to support partners and policymakers seeking more equitable and community driven approaches to place making.
A further strand of my research explores communicative practice within the voluntary sector. My 2025 book Social Media for Voluntary Organisations, published by UK charity Directory of Social Change, has been positively received across the sector and informs professional training. I collaborate internationally with partners in China, Thailand, Vietnam and Ukraine to develop comparative, co produced research on inclusive education, community development, communication and social impact.
Across my practice, I work in partnership with communities, practitioners, governments and universities to co create knowledge, tools and strategies that address structural inequalities and support fairer futures. I welcome interdisciplinary and international collaboration in these areas.
Research groups
- Media, Politics and Society
Research grants
Policy Support Fund 2024/25 (previously PPQR)
RESEARCH ENGLAND (UK)
August 2024 - July 2025
Community hubs: what works and why? Learning from the experience of the Safe Regeneration community hub
POWER TO CHANGE TRUST (UK)
October 2018 - July 2025