I-SPHERE’s housing policy analysis has a strong focus on the social and affordable housing sectors, and more generally the position of the very most disadvantaged within the overall housing system. There is a pronounced socio-legal strand within I-SPHERE research on housing, including a major five-year programme of research focusing on security of tenure amongst social tenants, and numerous projects on the homelessness legislation across all four UK countries. I-SPHERE also specialises in philosophically-informed analysis of “rights-based” and other underpinning normative frameworks in the housing, homelessness and welfare fields.
The table provides a summary of key recent research projects in this field. For publications see our Publications section.
| Title | About | Dates | Funder | Lead Researcher(s) | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Greater Manchester’s A Bed Every Night programme evaluation | This study evaluated the effectiveness of Greater Manchester’s A Bed Every Night (ABEN) programme in achieving its core aims of reducing rough sleeping among those experiencing it or at imminent risk of doing so, addressing the support needs of those accessing ABEN, and securing move-on to more suitable accommodation. A key focus was understanding the experiences of those who have accessed programme accommodation and support. | 2020-2021 | Greater Manchester Authority | Beth Watts | Further Information |
| The COVID-19 crisis response to homelessness in Great Britain | The COVID-19 crisis response to homelessness in Great Britain in partnership with CaCHE provides a comparative examination of responses to homelessness during the COVID-19 crisis across England, Scotland and Wales. The research will explore the impact of crisis interventions and elements of the COVID-19 crisis response should be embedded in post-pandemic homelessness policy and practice. | 2020-2021 | ESRC | Suzanne Fitzpatrick | Further Information |
| Homelessness amongst EEA nationals | This is a joint project with Institute of Public Policy Research (IPPR) and University College London (UCL). It will (1) develop a data model to estimate current levels of homelessness amongst EEA nationals and (2) inform a better understanding of the causes and impacts of homelessness amongst EEA nationals specifically. | 2020-2021 | Crisis | Glen Bramley | |
| Evaluation of Institute of Global Homelessness A Place to Call Home Programme | This international research project examines the progress of 13 vanguard cities across the globe who signed up to targets to reduce street homelessness under the IGH A Place to call home initiative. It examines the various approaches taken in the cities to reducing street homelessness including in response to the COVID 19 pandemic and aims to identify lessons to inform international street homeless responses. | 2020-2021 | Oak Foundation | Suzanne Fitzpatrick and Beth Watts | |
| Ideal Homelessness System | Using the learning from all three statutory homelessness systems in Great Britain, and that gained from international comparisons this work sets out the key principles of an ideal statutory homelessness system. The work was commissioned by Crisis and informs their Plan to End Homelessness. | 2018 | Crisis | Suzanne Fitzpatrick | Further Information |
| Evidence Centre on UK Housing | Heriot Watt University is a partner in the UK Collaborative Centre for Housing Evidence (CaCHE). The centre, a consortium of academic and sector leaders was established in 2017 to provide a leading voice in the UK on housing policy and practice. The Centre draws together an expert, multi-disciplinary, multi-sector team to share learning from regions and countries and establish more effective mechanisms for exchanging evidence and learning across devolved jurisdictions. The centre aims include to lead comprehensive research and foster innovation. | 2017-2022 | EHRC | Suzanne Fitzpatrick | Further Information |