As a social researcher, I have worked with the third sector, churches and academic institutions. I have expertise in participatory and co-produced disability research. Contact me here if you’re interested in working with me on a research project.
Member: British Sociological Association, Social Research Association, National Coalition of Independent Scholars.
Research projects
2024
University of Leeds: Research Assistant on the Inclusive Public Space Project, a six-year research project investigating unequal access to city streets and public spaces in five countries, for groups including disabled people.
Article co-author, ‘Law’s role in fostering inclusive and accessible pedestrian environments: Insights from a multinational study,’ Project Repository Journal (forthcoming, 2024).
2023
Ripon College, Cuddesdon: Qualitative Researcher contributing to a project on clergy marital breakdown.
St Stephen’s Church, Norwich: Qualitative Researcher leading a project on church local outreach through a community hub and cafe. Funded by HeartEdge.
Report co-author, Entrepreneurial Mission in a Church Café (Grove Books, 2023).
2020-2021
HeartEdge Network: Research Lead undertaking case study research across the network, including on social action in communities.
Report co-author, HeartEdge Case Studies (HeartEdge, 2021).
2020
Sisters of Frida: Contributed to data analysis of research into disabled women’s experiences of inequality during Covid-19 lockdowns. Submission to Women and Equalities Committee inquiry ‘Unequal Impact’.
Report co-author, The Impact of COVID-19 on Disabled Women (Sisters of Frida, 2020).
2019-2020
Starlight Children’s Foundation: Qualitative Researcher undertaking research on children’s experiences of play and distraction in hospitals.
Starlight Children’s Foundation: Qualitative Researcher undertaking research on children’s experiences of play and distraction in hospitals.
Report co-author, The Impact of Children’s Play in Hospitals (Starlight Children’s Foundation, 2020).
Research on disability and churches
2014-2019 & 2020-2021
My PhD research was a participatory study into the experiences of disabled Christians in the UK. Using a disability studies framework, my thesis looked at their experiences of ableism and access in churches, the barriers many faced to leadership, and their own thinking about disability, God, faith and church. Read the thesis here.
The book At The Gates: Disability, Justice and the Churches, co-written with Emily Richardson, shares the research with a wide audience. There’s also a short, downloadable booklet about the research, written in accessible language.
I continue to share the research findings through writing, speaking and training.