Reader in Sociology and Youth Studies
Eleanor Formby joined Sheffield Hallam University as a researcher in February 2003. She has over 20 years' experience in (predominantly qualitative) social research and evaluation. Her areas of expertise sit at the intersection of education, sociology, and LGBT studies. Specific research interests relate to the life experiences of young LGBT+ people.
Eleanor Formby joined Sheffield Hallam University as a researcher in February 2003. She has over 20 years' experience in (predominantly qualitative) social research and evaluation. Her areas of expertise sit at the intersection of education, sociology, and LGBT studies. Specific research interests relate to the life experiences of young LGBT+ people, with particular reference to school and youth work environments, and with a specific focus on the interlinking areas of homophobic, biphobic and transphobic bullying and LGBT-inclusive sex and relationships education. This encapsulates broader interests in:
- young people’s formal and informal learning about sex and sexualities, sexual practices, and sexual health;
- the in/exclusion of ‘sex’ and sexuality in formal school curricula, and the practice and policy implications for teachers and other professionals;
- LGBT+ people’s conceptualisations and experiences of ‘community’.
Emanating from various research funding, Eleanor is the author of two books and numerous articles on LGBT+ people’s experiences of bullying, community, higher education, schooling, sex and relationships education, sexual health, and youth services.
Before joining the University, Eleanor had been a researcher for a research consultancy company, and prior to that for a Member of Parliament.
Social Sciences and Arts
Eleanor is involved in PhD supervision and guest lecturing in the Faculty of Development and Society.
Eleanor has received research funding from/conducted research for: the Arts and Humanities Research Council, BA/Leverhulme, Barnardo's, Bradford Metropolitan District Council, the Department for Education, the Equality and Human Rights Commission, the Government Equalities Office, the International LGBTQ Youth and Student Organisation (IGLYO), Leicester City Council, the National Institute for Health Research, NHS Sheffield, NHS Stockport, Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council, the Sex Education Forum, Sheffield City Council.
Formby, E. (2020). LGBT ‘Communities’ and the (Self-)regulation and Shaping of Intimacy. Sociological Research Online, 1360780420974031. http://doi.org/10.1177/1360780420974031
Scott, R.H., Smith, C., Formby, E., Hadley, A., Hallgarten, L., Hoyle, A., ... Tourountsis, D. (2020). What and how: doing good research with young people, digital intimacies, and relationships and sex education. Sex Education: sexuality, society and learning. http://doi.org/10.1080/14681811.2020.1732337
Formby, E., & Donovan, C. (2020). Sex and relationships education for LGBT+ young people: Lessons from UK youth work. Sexualities. http://doi.org/10.1177/1363460719888432
Formby, E. (2017). How should we ‘care’ for LGBT+ students within higher education? Pastoral care in education: an international journal of personal, social and emotional development, 35 (3), 203-220. http://doi.org/10.1080/02643944.2017.1363811
Formby, E. (2015). Limitations of focussing on homophobic, biphobic and transphobic ‘bullying’ to understand and address LGBT young people’s experiences within and beyond school. Sex Education: sexuality, society and learning, 15 (6), 626-640. http://doi.org/10.1080/14681811.2015.1054024
Formby, E. (2013). Understanding and responding to homophobia and bullying: contrasting staff and young people’s views within community settings in England. Sexuality Research and Social Policy, 10 (4), 302-316. http://doi.org/10.1007/s13178-013-0135-4
Formby, E., & Wolstenholme, C. (2012). If there’s going to be a subject that you don’t have to do …’ Findings from a mapping study of PSHE education in English secondary schools. Pastoral care in education: an international journal of personal, social and emotional development, 30 (1), 5-18. http://doi.org/10.1080/02643944.2011.651227
Formby, E. (2011). Sex and relationships education, sexual health, and lesbian, gay and bisexual sexual cultures: Views from young people. Sex Education: sexuality, society and learning, 11 (3), 255-266. http://doi.org/10.1080/14681811.2011.590078
Formby, E. (2011). Lesbian and bisexual women's human rights, sexual rights and sexual citizenship: negotiating sexual health in England. Culture, health and sexuality, 13 (10), 1165-79. http://doi.org/10.1080/13691058.2011.610902
Formby, E. (2011). ‘It’s better to learn about your health and things that are going to happen to you than learning things that you just do at school’: findings from a mapping study of PSHE education in primary schools in England. Pastoral Care in Education, 29 (3), 161-173. http://doi.org/10.1080/02643944.2011.599857
Formby, E., Hirst, J., Owen, J., Hayter, M., & Stapleton, H. (2010). 'Selling it as a holistic health provision and not just about condoms ?' Sexual health services in school settings: current models and their relationship with sex and relationships education policy and provision. Sex education, 10 (4), 423-435. http://doi.org/10.1080/14681811.2010.515099
Owen, J., Carroll, C., Cooke, J., Formby, E., Hayter, M., Hirst, J., ... Sutton, A. (2010). School-linked sexual health services for young people (SSHYP): a survey and systematic review concerning current models, effectiveness, cost-effectiveness and research opportunities. Health technology assessment, 14 (30). http://doi.org/10.3310/hta14300
Formby, E. (2011). LESBIAN, GAY AND BISEXUAL HUMAN RIGHTS, SEXUAL RIGHTS AND SEXUAL CITIZENSHIP: AN EXPLORATION OF LESBIAN AND BISEXUAL WOMEN'S NEGOTIATION OF SEXUAL HEALTH IN THE UK. JOURNAL OF SEXUAL MEDICINE, 8, 268.
Formby, E., Hirst, J., Owen, J., & Hayter, M. (2011). BARRIERS TO THE DELIVERY OF SCHOOL-LINKED SEXUAL HEALTH SERVICES IN THE UK: THE INFLUENCE OF SOCIETAL AND SCHOOL VIEWS ON YOUNG PEOPLE'S SEXUAL HEALTH. JOURNAL OF SEXUAL MEDICINE, 8, 146.
Formby, E. (2015). Sexuality education with LGBT young people. In Ponzetti, J.J.J. (Ed.) Evidence-based approaches to sexuality education: a global perspective. (pp. 249-260). New York: Routledge
Formby, E. (2014). The emotional health and wellbeing of young people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual or trans. In Tod, A., & Hirst, J. (Eds.) Health and inequality: applying public health research to policy and practice. (pp. 62-71). Abingdon: Routledge
Formby, E. (2014). Sex and relationships education, sexual health, and lesbian, gay and bisexual sexual cultures: views from young people. In Attwood, F., & Smith, C. (Eds.) Investigating young people’s sexual cultures. Abingdon: Routledge
Formby, E., Piercy, H., & Allmark, P. (2010). Sexuality. In Allmark, P., Salway, S., & Piercy, H. (Eds.) Life and health: an evidence review and synthesis for the Equality and Human Rights Commission's triennial review. Sheffield: Equality and Human Rights Commission: http://www.equalityhumanrights.com/uploaded_files/triennial_review/triennial_review_life_health_omnibus.pdf
Formby, E., Hirst, J., & Owen, J. (2010). Pathways to adulthood: reflections from three generations of young mothers and fathers. In Duncan, S., Edwards, R., & Alexander, C. (Eds.) Teenage parenthood: what’s the problem?. (pp. 85-111). London: Tufnell Press: http://www.tufnellpress.co.uk/
Formby, E., Piercy, H., & Allmark, P. (2010). Gender identity (Trans). In Allmark, P., Salway, S., & Piercy, H. (Eds.) Life and health: an evidence review and synthesis for the Equality and Human Rights Commission's triennial review. Sheffield: Equality and Human Rights Commission: http://www.equalityhumanrights.com/uploaded_files/triennial_review/triennial_review_life_health_omnibus.pdf
Formby, E. (2017). Exploring LGBT spaces and communities : contrasting identities, belongings and wellbeing. Routledge. https://www.routledge.com/Exploring-LGBT-Spaces-and-Communities-Contrasting-Identities-Belongings/Formby/p/book/9781138814004
Formby, E., & Donovan, C. (2016). Selfies evaluation : final report. Sheffield: Sheffield Hallam University.
Formby, E., Willis, B., & Stevens, A. (2016). Inspiring equality in education grant evaluation : final report. Sheffield: Sheffield Hallam University.
Formby, E. (2015). #FreshersToFinals : From freshers’ week to finals: Understanding LGBT+ perspectives on, and experiences of, higher education. Sheffield: Sheffield Hallam Universty. http://www.shu.ac.uk/research/ceir/fresherstofinals-freshers%E2%80%99-week-finals-understanding-lgbt-perspectives-and-experiences-higher-educat
Formby, E. (2014). (Trans)gender identity awareness and support in Rotherham. Sheffiled: Centre for Education and Inclusion Research, Sheffield Hallam University.
Formby, E. (2013). The impact of homophobic and transphobic bullying on education and employment : a European survey 2013. Sheffield: Sheffield Hallam University.
Pearson, S., Bashir, N., Batty, E., Dayson, C., Sanderson, E., Wilson, I., ... Wolstenholme, C. (2013). myplace Impact Evaluation Report. Big Lottery Fund.
Bashir, N., Dayson, C., Batty, E., Pearson, S., Sanderson, E., Wilson, I., ... Wolstenholme, C. (2013). myplace evaluation: Final report. Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research, Sheffield Hallam University. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/evaluation-of-myplace
Bashir, N., Batty, E., Dayson, C., Pearson, S., Sanderson, E., Wilson, I., ... Wolstenholme, C. (2013). myplace evaluation: Summary report. Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research, Sheffield Hallam University. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/myplace-summary-report
Bashir, N., Batty, E., Dayson, C., Pearson, S., Sanderson, E., Wilson, I., ... Wolstenholme, C. (2013). Evaluation of myplace: Technical report. Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research, Sheffield Hallam University. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/myplace-technical-report
Bashir, N., Batty, E., Clague, L., Formby, E., Pearson, S., & Wolstenholme, C. (2013). myplace case study report. Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research, Sheffield Hallam University. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/myplace-case-study
Bashir, N., Batty, E., Dayson, C., Pearson, S., Platts-Fowler, D., Sanderson, E., ... Wolstenholme, C. (2012). myplace Impact Evaluation Interim Report. Sheffield Hallam University, Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/myplace-impact-evaluation-interim-report
Bashir, N., Batty, E., Dayson, C., Pearson, S., Platts-Fowler, D., Sanderson, E., ... Wolstenholme, C. (2012). myplace impact evaluation interim report: executive summary. Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research, Sheffield Hallam University. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/myplace-impact-evaluation-interim-report-executive-summary
Formby, E. (2012). Connected lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans communities? A scoping study to explore understandings and experiences of ‘community’ among LGBT people. Swindon: Arts and Humanities Research Council.
Formby, E. (2012). Solidarity but not similarity? LGBT communities in the twenty-first century. Sheffield: Sheffield Hallam University.
Formby, E., Coldwell, M., Stiell, B., Demack, S., Stevens, A., Shipton, L., ... Willis, B. (2011). Personal, social, healthand economic (PSHE)education: A mappingstudy of the prevalentmodels of delivery andtheir effectiveness. London: Department for Education.
Formby, E., & Willis, B. (2011). Tackling homophobia and transphobia in settings supporting young people: What are the barriers and facilitators?Findings from a South Yorkshirestudy. Sheffield: Sheffield Hallam University.
Allmark, P., Salway, S., Piercy, H., Barley, R., Faulkner, M., Formby, E., ... Mcclimens, A. (2010). Life and Health: An evidence review and synthesis for the Equality and Human Rights Commission's triennial review. Sheffield: Equality and Human Rights Commission. http://www.equalityhumanrights.com/uploaded_files/triennial_review/triennial_review_life_health_omnibus.pdf
Formby, E., Hirst, J., & Willis, B. (2009). Socialising and sexual health: an evaluation of the needs of gay, bisexual men and men who have sex with men (MSM) in Sheffield. Sheffield: Centre for HIV and Sexual Health. http://www.sexualhealthsheffield.nhs.uk/publications/index.php
Hirst, J., Formby, E., Parr, S., Nixon, J., Hunter, C., & Flint, J.F. (2007). An evaluation of two initiatives to reward young people. York: Joseph Rowntree Foundation. http://www.jrf.org.uk/publications/rewarding-young-people-pro-social-behaviour
Hirst, J., Formby, E., & Owen, J. (2006). Pathways into parenthood: reflections from three generations of teenage mothers and fathers. Sheffield: Sheffield Hallam University. http://www.shu.ac.uk/research/ceir/outputs.html#2006
Eleanor serves on the editorial boards for Pastoral Care in Education and Sex Education, and is a board member of the European Sociological Association's Sexuality Research Network.
Eleanor welcomes potential students interested in studying all aspects of young LGBT+ people's lives. Other areas of interest include:
- young people’s formal and informal learning about sex and sexualities, sexual practices, and sexual health.
- the in/exclusion of ‘sex’ and sexuality in formal school curricula, and the practice and policy implications for teachers and other school/youth professionals.
- LGBT+ people’s conceptualisations and experiences of ‘community’.
Eleanor has written for a variety of public blogs and has been interviewed by BBC Radio Manchester and BBC Radio Sheffield. Her research has featured in a variety of media outlets, including Attitude, Children and Young People Now, Gay Times, Huffington Post, Pink News and Times Higher Education.
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