Dr Christopher Damm

About

I am a Research Fellow at the Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research (CRESR), where I am the theme lead for the Voluntary and Community Sector research cluster. I am also currently a trustee of the Voluntary Sector Studies Network.

I have several areas of academic expertise, related to the voluntary and community sector (VCS) and its role within social policy, VCS data, data science methods, social investment, and employment services. In particular, I have extensive experience in the management, analysis, and reporting of quantitative and qualitative data.

CRESR conducts research for a range of external clients, such as charities, local authorities, or government departments. I lead on quantitative analysis across multiple high profile, value, and impact projects, working for clients such as Big Society Capital, the National Lottery Community Fund, Voluntary Action Rotherham, and Esmée Fairburn. These projects all involve working closely with clients on applied research and evaluation projects, producing many publicly accessible reports that feed into current debates.

As part of my work with partners and clients, I have produced a range of online tools relating to VCS data, such as the ‘charity explorer’, an interactive search tool for charities, and the UK-CAT classification system.

Research interests

The third sector, its funding and role in public service delivery
Charity data and data infrastructure
Social investment
Employment services
Quantitative methods (modelling, mapping, data visualisation, programming in R, web-scraping, surveys)

Research

Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research

2022-2023 Mapping Funding into the UK Women and Girls’ voluntary sector, ROSA. Role: Project Director.

2019-2021 Evaluation of Leeds Neighbourhood Networks, Centre for Ageing Better.

2019-2022 Evaluation and Learning Contact for Power to Change’s Market Development Programme, Power to Change.

2020-2021 Power to change - volunteering in community businesses, Power to Change.

2018-2024 Evaluation of the Community Investment Fund, Big Society Capital.

2013-2022 Evaluation of the Rotherham Social Prescribing Pilot, Voluntary Action Rotherham.

2020-2021 Classifying the Charity Register, Esmée Fairburn Foundation.

Publications

Journal articles

Dayson, C., Damm, C., Gilbertson, J., Leather, D., & Ridge, W. (2023). Understanding the Contribution of Community Organisations to Healthy Ageing and Integrated Place-Based Care: Evidence from Integrated Care Data. Healthcare, 11 (21). http://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare11212827

Bennett, E., Dayson, C., Rees, J., Patmore, B., & Damm, C. (2023). The role of smaller nonprofit human service organizations during the COVID-19 pandemic: evidence from England and Wales. Human service organizations, management, leadership & governance. http://doi.org/10.1080/23303131.2023.2248611

Damm, C., & Kane, D. (2022). Classifying UK charities’ activities by charitable cause: a new classification system. Voluntary Sector Review, 1-27. http://doi.org/10.1332/204080521x16669452177473

Chapman, M., Gilbertson, J., Bradley, J., Damm, C., Farnsworth, V., Ferguson, A., ... Wolstenholme, D. (2022). Being warm being happy: understanding factors influencing adults with learning disabilities being warm and well at home with inclusive research. People, Place and Policy Online. http://doi.org/10.3351/ppp.2022.2942847959

Rees, J., Taylor, R., & Damm, C. (2022). Opening the ‘black box’: Organisational Adaptation and Resistance to institutional isomorphism in a prime-led employment services programme. Public Policy and Administration. http://doi.org/10.1177/09520767221118490

Dayson, C., Bennett, E., Damm, C., Rees, J., Jacklin-Jarvis, C., Patmore, B., ... Turner, K. (2022). The distinctiveness of smaller voluntary organisations providing welfare services. Journal of Social Policy. http://doi.org/10.1017/S0047279421000970

Dayson, C., & Damm, C. (2020). Re-making state-civil society relationships during the COVID 19 pandemic? An English perspective. People, Place and Policy Online, 14 (3), 282-289. http://doi.org/10.3351/ppp.2020.5796569834

Damm, C. (2019). The relationship between state funding and volunteer levels in voluntary sector organisations: a quantitative analysis of regulatory data. Voluntary Sector Review. http://doi.org/10.1332/204080519X15740562469345

Damm, C., & Dayson, C. (2019). ‘You were the future once’ – third sector prospects in the 2019 election manifestos. People, Place and Policy Online, 13 (2), 82-85. http://doi.org/10.3351/ppp.2019.8996759724

Bennett, E., Coule, T., Damm, C., Dayson, C., Dean, J., & Macmillan, R. (2019). Civil society strategy: A policy review. Voluntary sector review, 10 (2), 213-223. http://doi.org/10.1332/204080519X15617330887624

Damm, C. (2019). Hungry Britain: The rise of food charity by Hannah Lambie-Mumford. Policy Press, 2017. Voluntary sector review, 10 (1), 97-99. http://doi.org/10.1332/204080519x15510138260856

Taylor, R., Rees, J., & Damm, C. (2016). UK employment services: understanding provider strategies in a dynamic strategic action field. Policy and Politics, 44 (2), 253-267. http://doi.org/10.1332/030557314X14079275800414

Damm, C. (2014). A mid-term review of third sector involvement in the Work Programme. Voluntary Sector Review, 5 (1), 97-116. http://doi.org/10.1332/204080514X13921367480976

Book chapters

Woodward, A., Patmore, B., Cliff, G., & Dayson, C. (2022). The value and contribution of BAME-led organisations during and Beyond COVID-19. In Rees, J., Macmillan, R., Dayson, C., Damm, C., & Bynner, C. (Eds.) COVID-19 and the Voluntary and Community Sector in the UK: Responses, Impacts and Adaptation. Policy Press: https://policy.bristoluniversitypress.co.uk/covid-19-and-the-voluntary-and-community-sector-in-the-uk

Dayson, C., Bimpson, E., Ellis Paine, A., Gilbertson, J., & Kara, H. (2022). Voluntary Sector Organisations, Older People and Healthy Ageing During the COVID-19 Pandemic. In Rees, J., Macmillan, R., Dayson, C., Damm, C., & Bynner, C. (Eds.) COVID-19 and the Voluntary and Community Sector in the UK: Responses, Impacts and Adaptation. Policy Press: https://policy.bristoluniversitypress.co.uk/covid-19-and-the-voluntary-and-community-sector-in-the-uk

Rees, J., Macmillan, R., Dayson, C., Damm, C., & Bynner, C. (2022). Introduction. In COVID-19 and the Voluntary and Community Sector in the UK: Responses, Impacts and Adaptation. Policy Press

Rees, J., Macmillan, R., Dayson, C., Damm, C., & Bynner, C. (2022). Introduction. In COVID-19 and the Voluntary and Community Sector in the UK: Responses, Impacts and Adaptation. (pp. 1-14).

Taylor, R., Damm, C., & Rees, J. (2016). Navigating a new landscape : the third sector delivering contracted employment services. In Rees, J., & Mullins, D. (Eds.) The Third Sector Delivering Public Services: Developments, Innovations and Challenges. (pp. 169-188). Birmingham: Policy Press

Books

Rees, J., Macmillan, R., Dayson, C., Damm, C., & Bynner, C. (Eds.). (2022). COVID-19 and the Voluntary and Community Sector in the UK Responses, Impacts and Adaptation. Policy Press. https://policy.bristoluniversitypress.co.uk/covid-19-and-the-voluntary-and-community-sector-in-the-uk

Reports

Damm, C., Dowrick, L., & Harris, C. (2023). Mapping the UK Women and girls sector and its funding: where does the money go? ROSA. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/mapping-the-uk-women-and-girls-sector-and-its-funding

Damm, C., Dowrick, L., & Harris, C. (2023). Mapping the UK women and girls sector and its funding. ROSA. https://rosauk.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Women-and-Girls-Sector-Research-Mapping-Report-Final.pdf

Dayson, C., Damm, C., Gilbertson, J., & Leather, D. (2023). Towards an understanding of their contribution to health and care costs and resources. Sheffield Hallam University, Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/towards-an-understanding-of-their-contribution-to-health

Dayson, C., & Damm, C. (2022). Evaluation of the community investment enterprise facility: interim report (2019-2021). Sheffield Hallam University, Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/evaluation-of-the-community-investment-enterprise-facility-interim-report

Dayson, C., & Damm, C. (2021). Evaluation of the community investment enterprise facility: second annual report. Sheffield Hallam University, Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/evaluation-of-the-community-investment-enterprise-facility-second-annual-report

Dayson, C., Damm, C., & Leather, D. (2021). Evaluation of the community investment enterprise facility deep dive: CDFIs’ response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Sheffield Hallam University, Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/evaluation-of-the-community-investment-enterprise-facility-deep-dive-cdfis-response-to-the-covid-19

Damm, C., & Kane, D. (2021). Charity field classification: main project report. Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research, Sheffield Hallam University. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/charity-field-classification-main-project-report

Ellis Paine, A., Damm, C., Dean, J., Harris, C., & Macmillan, R. (2021). Volunteering in community business: meaning, practice and management. Sheffield Hallam University, Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/volunteering-in-community-business-meaning-practice-and-management

Dayson, C., & Damm, C. (2020). Evaluation of the Rotherham Social Prescribing Service for Long Term Conditions. Sheffield Hallam University. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/evaluation-of-the-rotherham-social-prescribing-service-for-long-term-conditions

Damm, C., Pearson, S., Sanderson, E., Wells, P., & Wilson, I. (2020). Talent Match Evaluation: Understanding the impact and value of Talent Match. Sheffield Hallam University. http://doi.org/10.7190/cresr.2020.2031246178

Damm, C., Pearson, S., Sanderson, E., Wells, P., & Wilson, I. (2020). Talent Match Evaluation: Technical Appendix Report. Sheffield Hallam University. http://doi.org/10.7190/cresr.2020.7420650207

Damm, C., Green, A., & Wells, P. (2020). Talent Match Evaluation: Comparative Report. Sheffield Hallam University. http://doi.org/10.7190/cresr.2020.813564058

Damm, C., Green, A., Pearson, S., Sanderson, E., Wells, P., & Wilson, I. (2020). Talent Match Evaluation: A Final Assessment. Sheffield Hallam University. http://doi.org/10.7190/cresr.2020.1739253459

Dayson, C., & Damm, C. (2020). Evaluation of the Community Investment Enterprise Facility: First Annual Report. Sheffield Hallam University, Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/evaluation-of-the-community-investment-enterprise-facility-first-annual-report

Bradley, J., Chapman, M., Damm, C., Farnsworth, V., Ferguson, A., Gilbertson, J., ... Wolstenholme, D. (2019). Being Warm – Being Happy (BWBH) : understanding disability, fuel poverty and energy vulnerability for adults with a learning disability : final report. EAGA Charitable Trust. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/being-warm-being-happy-bwbh

Crisp, R., Damm, C., Green, A., Pearson, S., Sanderson, E., & Wells, P. (2018). Talent Match Evaluation: Progression to Employment. Sheffield: Sheffield Hallam University. http://doi.org/10.7190/cresr.2018.3322694645

Damm, C., Green, A., Pearson, S., Sanderson, E., & Wells, P. (2018). Talent Match Evaluation: Youth Employment Partnerships. Sheffield: Sheffield Hallam University. http://doi.org/10.7190/cresr.2018.3356697744

Wells, P., Pearson, S., Damm, C., & Sanderson, E. (2018). Involving young people: Lessons from the Talent Match programme evaluation. Sheffield: Sheffield Hallam University. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/involving-young-people-lessons-from-the-talent-match-programme-evaluation

Wells, P., Pearson, S., Damm, C., & Sanderson, E. (2018). Youth Employment Partnerships: Lessons from the Talent Match programme evaluation. Sheffield: Sheffield Hallam University. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/youth-employment-partnerships-lessons-from-the-talent-match-programme-evaluation

Wells, P., Pearson, S., Damm, C., & Sanderson, E. (2018). Progression to Employment: Lessons from the Talent Match programme evaluation. Sheffield: Sheffield Hallam University. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/progression-to-employment-lessons-from-the-talent-match-programme-evaluation

Dayson, C., Baker, L., Rees, J., Batty, E., Bennett, E., Damm, C., ... Terry, V. (2018). The value of small: in-depth research into the distinctive contribution, value and experiences of small and medium-sized charities in England and Wales. Sheffield: Sheffield Hallam University. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/the-value-of-small-in-depth-research-into-the-distinctive-contribution-value-and-experiences

Dayson, C., Baker, L., Rees, J., Batty, E., Bennett, E., Damm, C., ... Terry, V. (2018). The value of small: in-depth research into the distinctive contribution, value and experiences of small and medium-sized charities in England and Wales : Summary. Sheffield: Sheffield Hallam University. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/the-value-of-small-in-depth-research-into-the-distinctive-contribution--summary

Damm, C., Prinos, I., & Sanderson, E. (2017). Bolton state of the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector 2017 : A report on social and economic impact. Sheffield: Sheffield Hallam University. http://doi.org/10.7190/cresr.2017.2843928293

Damm, C., Prinos, I., & Sanderson, E. (2017). Greater Manchester state of the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector 2017 : A report on social and economic impact. Sheffield: Sheffield Hallam University. http://doi.org/10.7190/cresr.2017.8245386329

Damm, C., Prinos, I., & Sanderson, E. (2017). City of Manchester state of the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector 2017 : A report on the social and economic impact. Sheffield: Sheffield Hallam University. http://doi.org/10.7190/cresr.2017.8679557866

Damm, C., & Sanderson, E. (2017). Rochdale state of the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector 2017 : A report on social and economic impact. Sheffield: Sheffield Hallam University. http://doi.org/10.7190/cresr.2017.5635442389

Damm, C., Prinos, I., & Sanderson, E. (2017). Salford state of the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector 2017. Sheffield: Sheffield Hallam University. http://doi.org/10.7190/cresr.2017.6344484429

Damm, C., & Sanderson, E. (2017). Stockport state of the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector 2017 : A report on social and economic impact. Sheffield: Sheffield Hallam University. http://doi.org/10.7190/cresr.2017.6569444937

Damm, C., Prinos, I., & Sanderson, E. (2017). Tameside state of the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector 2017 : A report on social and economic impact. Sheffield: Sheffield Hallam University. http://doi.org/10.7190/cresr.2017.6488868973

Dayson, C., & Damm, C. (2017). The Rotherham Social Prescribing Service for People with Long-term Conditions: Evaluation Update. Sheffield: Sheffield Hallam University. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/the-rotherham-social-prescribing-service-for-people-with-long-term-conditions-evaluation-update

Green, A., Barnes, S.-.A., Gore, A., & Damm, C. (2017). In-work support: What is the role of in-work support in a successful transition to sustained employment? Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research, Sheffield Hallam University. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/in-work-support-what-is-the-role-of-in-work-support-in-a-successful-transition-to-sustained

Damm, C., Dayson, C., Gilbertson, J., & Pearson, S. (2016). Stockport Targeted Prevention Programme Evaluation: Final Report. Sheffield: Sheffield Hallam University. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/stockport-targeted-prevention-alliance

Damm, C., & Sanderson, E. (2016). Sheffield State of the Voluntary and Community Sector 2016. Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research; Sheffield Hallam University. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/sheffield-state-of-the-voluntary-and-community-sector-2016

Bennett, E., Damm, C., Dayson, C., Pearson, S., & Wells, P. (2016). EANF Learning Report 1: Evidence and Data. Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research, Sheffield Hallam University. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/eanf-learning-report-1-evidence-and-data

Bennett, E., Damm, C., Dayson, C., Pearson, S., & Wells, P. (2016). Early Action Neighbourhood Fund: learning and evaluation - year one programme report. Sheffield: Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research, Sheffield Hallam University. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/early-action-neighbourhood-fund-learning-and-evaluation---year-one-programme-report

Bennett, E., Damm, C., Dayson, C., Pearson, S., & Wells, P. (2016). EANF learning report 2: building alliances. Sheffield: Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research, Sheffield Hallam University. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/eanf-learning-report-2-building-alliances

Ambrose, A., Damm, C., Foden, M., Gilbertson, J., & Pinder, J. (2016). Delivering Affordability Assistance to water customers: cross sector lessons. Sheffield: Sheffield Hallam University. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/delivering-affordability-assistance-to-water-customers-cross-sector-lessons

Damm, C., Green, A., & Wells, P. (n.d.). Talent Match Evaluation: Comparative Report. Sheffield Hallam University. http://doi.org/10.7190/cresr.2020.8135640588

Postgraduate supervision

Current supervision

I currently supervise a student working on: The Changing Role of the Voluntary Sector in Delivering Youth Employment Services

I would be interested in supervising further PhDs relating to my research interests.

Previous experience

I have previously supervised a White Rose ESRC funded student, who received their PhD in 2023 on the topic of: The representation of women’s charitable organisations 2008 to 2020 and the implications for gender equality