Ellen Bennett BA (Hons), MA, PhD
Senior Lecturer
Summary
Dr Ellen Bennett is a Senior Lecturer within Sheffield Business School, having previously worked as a Research Fellow in the Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research (CRESR) here at Sheffield Hallam University. Before joining Sheffield Hallam University in 2008, Ellen worked in a variety of roles within the Voluntary Sector across Merseyside and Greater Manchester. Ellen’s research expertise includes examining the role of voluntary organisations within society over time, and she is currently involved in research across several professional contexts, ranging from small voluntary organisations through to complex multi-sector partnerships.
About
Ellen has extensive experience in a range of qualitative research techniques – case study research, in-depth interviews, focus groups, documentary analysis and language analysis. Ellen has expertise in coproduction and inclusive research methods which allow participants greater autonomy over the research process and has extensive experience of designing research alongside volunteers and organisational participants as part of the research process. In recent research projects, Ellen has engaged with creative research methods, such as free drawing and photo voice, in order to explore more inclusive research practices.
Ellen teaches research and inquiry approaches across taught programmes at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Ellen leads a number postgraduate modules, as well as supporting students as an Academic Advisor and Workplace Mentor. Ellen is the Postgraduate Research Tutor for Sheffield Business School.
Ellen is a Trustee of the Voluntary Sector Studies Network, which is an international association of academic and practice-based research into the voluntary sector and volunteering.
Research interests
- Voluntary organisations
- Voluntary sector policy
- Public services and public service reform
- State-voluntary sector relations
- Voluntary organisations and identity
- Systems change
- Qualitative data collection and analysis
- In-depth interviewing, both face-to-face and telephone
- Focus groups
- Discursive documentary analysis.
Research
Ellen is currently Co-Investigator on a three-year £2.1m project on creative health and community assets funded through UK Research and Innovation’s (UKRI) as part of their mobilising community assets to tackle health inequalities programme.
Ellen is also leading a research partnership with Black Thrive Global, which is supporting evaluation and research capacity development.
Publications
Journal articles
Glentworth, J., Hawkins, A., Bennett, E., Webb, S., & Hammond, C. (2024). Nature Recovery Now: How the new UK Government needs to act to address the biodiversity crisis with five key priorities. People, Place and Policy, 18 (2), 69-81. http://doi.org/10.3351/ppp.2024.7875874494
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
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., Painter, J., & Bennett, E. (2020). Social prescribing for patients of secondary mental health services: emotional, psychological and social wellbeing outcomes. Journal of Public Mental Health: the art, science and politics of creating a mentally healthy society. https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/JPMH-10-2019-0088/full/html
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
Dickinson, J., Bennett, E., & Marson, J. (2019). Challenges facing green space: is statute the answer? Journal of place management and development, 12 (1), 121-138. http://doi.org/10.1108/JPMD-09-2017-0091
Bennett, E., Eadson, W., & Dickinson, J. (2018). PPP Special Issue Editorial: Part I. People, Place and Policy Online, 12 (2), 56-57. http://doi.org/10.3351/ppp.2018.5463926534
Coule, T., & Bennett, E. (2018). State-voluntary relations in contemporary welfare systems: New politics or voluntary action as usual? Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector Quarterly, 47 (4), 139s-158s. http://doi.org/10.1177/0899764018755507
Coule, T.M., & Bennett, E. (2016). Rhetoric, organizational category dynamics and institutional change : a study of the UK Welfare State. Public Administration, 94 (4), 1059-1076. http://doi.org/10.1111/padm.12274
Book chapters
Bennett, E., & Patmore, B. (2024). The roots of critical nonprofit scholarship: a reflective framework. In Mirabella, R.M., Coule, T.M., & Eikenberry, A.M. (Eds.) Handbook of Critical Perspectives on Nonprofit Organizing and Voluntary Action. (pp. 70-84). Edward Elgar Publishing: http://doi.org/10.4337/9781800371811.00010
Bennett, E. (2022). Peer research. In Researching Voluntary Action. (pp. 46-58). Policy Press: http://doi.org/10.2307/j.ctv2bz2mvt.11
Reports
Dayson, C., Harris, C., Bashir, N., Bennett, E., & Woodward, A. (2022). Evaluation of Age Better in Sheffield the impact on social isolation and loneliness (2015-21). Sheffield Hallam University, Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/evaluation-of-age-better-in-sheffield-the-impact-on-social-isolation-and-loneliness-2015-21
Dayson, C., Baker, L., Rees, J., Bennett, E., Patmore, B., Turner, K., ... Terry, V. (2021). The ‘Value of Small’ in a Big Crisis: The distinctive contribution, value and experiences of smaller charities in England and Wales during the COVID 19 pandemic - Summary report. Lloyds Bank Foundation: England and Wales. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/the-value-of-small-in-a-big-crisis-summary
Dayson, C., Baker, L., Rees, J., Bennett, E., Patmore, B., Turner, K., ... Terry, V. (2021). The ‘Value of Small’ in a Big Crisis: The distinctive contribution, value and experiences of smaller charities in England and Wales during 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/the-value-of-small-in-a-big-crisis
Dayson, C., Pearson, S., & Bennett, E. (2020). Evaluation of the Early Action Neighbourhood Fund: Learning Summary - Evaluating Complex Systems Change Projects. Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research, Sheffield Hallam University. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/evaluation-of-the-early-action-neighbourhood-fund-learning-summary-evaluating-complex-systems
Bennett, E., Dayson, C., & Pearson, S. (2020). Early action neighbourhood fund evaluation report. 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-evaluation-report
Dayson, C., Pearson, S., & Bennett, E. (2020). Evaluation of the Early Action Neighbourhood Fund: Learning Summary - Evaluating Complex Systems Change Projects. h126:%20Early%20Action%20Neighbourhood%20Fund%20Evaluation%20and%20Learning%20Contract
Pearson, S., Dayson, C., & Bennett, E. (2020). Early action neighbourhood fund evaluation learning summary: the EANF journey. 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-evaluation-learning-summary-the-eanf-journey
Batty, E., Bennett, E., Devany, C., Harris, C., Pearson, S., & Woodward, A. (2020). Friends and purpose: evaluation of camerados public living rooms. Sheffield: Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research, Sheffield Hallam University. http://doi.org/10.7190/cresr.2020.3886334757
Pearson, S., Dayson, C., & Bennett, E. (2020). Evaluation of the Early Action Neighbourhood Fund: Learning Summary - Funders Briefing. Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research, Sheffield Hallam University. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/evaluation-of-the-early-action-neighbourhood-fund-learning-summary-funders-briefing
Dayson, C., Pearson, S., & Bennett, E. (2019). Evaluation of the Early Action Neighbourhood Fund: Learning Summary 1 - Data, Evidence and Impact. Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research, Sheffield Hallam University. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/evaluation-of-the-early-action-neighbourhood-fund-learning-summary-1---data-evidence-and-impact
Dayson, C., Bennett, E., & Bashir, N. (2019). Evaluation of Age Better in Sheffield: co-production learning report 1 - understanding the approach to co-production. Sheffield Hallam University, Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/evaluation-of-age-better-in-sheffield---co-production-learning-report-1
Coule, T., Patmore, B., & Bennett, E. (2018). The value of small: In-depth research into the distinctive contribution, value and experiences of small and medium-sized charities in Salford. 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-salford
Bennett, E., & Batty, E. (2018). The value of small: In-depth research into the distinctive contribution, value and experiences of small and medium-sized charities in Wrexham. 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-wrexham
Babu, M., Bashir, N., Bennett, E., Darwin, M., Porter, J., Wood, S., ... Needham, R. (2018). Evaluation of Age Better in Sheffield - Third annual report: Peer Research. Sheffield Hallam University, Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/evaluation-of-age-better-in-sheffield----third-annual-report-peer-research
Dayson, C., Pearson, S., & Bennett, E. (2018). Evaluation of the Early Action Neighbourhood Fund: Learning Update 1 - Revisiting the Programme Theory of Change. CRESR, Sheffield Hallam University. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/evaluation-of-the-early-action-neighbourhood-fund-learning-update-1---revisiting-the-programme
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
Bennett, E., Dayson, C., & Pearson, S. (2017). Early Action Neighbourhood Fund: learning and evaluationyear two programme report. 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-two-programme-report
Bennett, E., & Eadson, W. (2017). Private, voluntary and public sector partnership for outdoor space provision: policy lessons from the Bags of Help grant programme evaluation. Sheffield: Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research, Sheffield Hallam University. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/private-voluntary-and-public-sector-partnership-for-outdoor-space-provision-policy-lessons
Dayson, C., & Bennett, E. (2017). Evaluation of the Rotherham Mental Health Social Prescribing Service 2015/16-2016/17. Sheffield: Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research, Sheffield Hallam University. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/evaluation-of-the-rotherham-mental-health-social-prescribing-service-2015-16-2016-17
Dayson, C., & Bennett, E. (2016). Evaluation of Doncaster Social Prescribing Service: understanding outcomes and impact. Sheffield: Sheffield Hallam University. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/evaluation-of-doncaster-social-prescribing-service-understanding-outcomes-and-impact
Bennett, E., Dayson, C., Eadson, W., Gilbertson, J., & Tod, A. (2016). Warm safe and well: the evaluation of the Warm at Home Programme. Sheffield: Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research, Sheffield Hallam University. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/warm-safe-and-well-the-evaluation-of-the-warm-at-home-programme
Dayson, C., Bennett, E., Bashir, N., & Pattison, B. (2016). Evaluation of Age Better in Sheffield: first annual report: an emerging baseline. Sheffield Hallam University, Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/evaluation-of-age-better-in-sheffield---first-annual-report-an-emerging-baseline
Bennett, E., Dayson, C., Eadson, W., Gilbertson, J., & Tod, A. (2016). Warm, safe and well: The evaluation of the Warm at Home Programme - Summary report. Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research, Sheffield Hallam University. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/warm-safe-and-well-the-evaluation-of-the-warm-at-home-programme---summary-report
Dayson, C., & Bennett, E. (2016). Key Findings from the Evaluation of the Rotherham Mental Health Social Prescribing Pilot. Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research, Sheffield Hallam University. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/key-findings-from-the-evaluation-of-the-rotherham-mental-health-social-prescribing-pilot
Dayson, C., & Bennett, E. (2016). Evaluation of the Rotherham Mental Health Social Prescribing Pilot. Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research, Sheffield Hallam University. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/evaluation-of-the-rotherham-mental-health-social-prescribing-pilot
Dayson, C., & Bennett, E. (2016). Evaluation of the Rotherham Carers Resilience Service: 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-the-rotherham-carers-resilience-service-final-report
Bennett, E., Dayson, C., Eadson, W., & Foden, M. (2016). Evaluation of Heritage Lottery Fund’s First World War Centenary Activity: Year 2 report. Sheffield Hallam University, Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research. https://www.heritagefund.org.uk/sites/default/files/media/research/final_fww_year_2_report_.pdf
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
Dayson, C., Bashir, N., Bennett, E., & Sanderson, E. (2016). The Rotherham Social Prescribing Service for People with Long-Term Health Conditions: Annual Report. 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-health-conditions-annual-report
Dayson, C., Bashir, N., Bennett, E., & Sanderson, E. (2016). The Rotherham Social Prescribing Service for People with Long-Term Health Conditions: Summary Report. 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-health-conditions-summary-report
Hickman, P., Dayson, C., Ambrose, A., Batty, E., Bennett, E., Flint, J., ... Muir, J. (2015). Summary of key findings. Sheffield Hallam University, Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/summary-of-key-findings
Dayson, C., Hickman, P., Ambrose, A., Batty, E., Bennett, E., & Muir, J. (2015). Understanding the economic contribution of the social economy at a neighbourhood level: Final Report. Sheffield Hallam University, Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/understanding-the-economic-contribution-of-the-social-economy-at-a-neighbourhood-level-final-report
Pearson, S., Bennett, E., Batty, E., & Green, S. (2015). Evaluation of the Doncaster community fund prospectus: final 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-doncaster-community-fund-prospectus-final-report
Bashir, N., Bennett, E., Dayson, C., Eadson, W., & Sanderson, E. (2015). Evaluation of Heritage Lottery Fund’s First World War Centenary Activity: Year 1 report. Sheffield Hallam University, Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/evaluation-of-heritage-lottery-funds-first-world-war-centenary-activity-year-1-report
Bashir, N., Bennett, E., Dayson, C., Eadson, W., & Sanderson, E. (2015). Evaluation of Heritage Lottery Fund’s First World War centenary activity: Year 1 report - executive summary. Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research, Sheffield Hallam University. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/evaluation-of-heritage-lottery-funds-first-world-war-centenary-activity-year-1-report---summary
Theses / Dissertations
Matzdorf, F. (2025). Leader-follower-ship as embodied and enacted practice: reflections from the dancefloor. (Doctoral thesis). Supervised by Bennett, E. http://doi.org/10.7190/shu-thesis-00678
Matzdorf, F. (2025). Leader-follower-ship as embodied and enacted practice: reflections from the dancefloor. (Doctoral thesis). Supervised by Bennett, E. http://doi.org/10.7190/shu-thesis-00678
Odendaal, L. (2024). Lived Experiences of Diverse Academics: An Analysis of UK Higher Education Institutions. (Doctoral thesis). Supervised by Snook, J., Bennett, E., & Taylor, C. http://doi.org/10.7190/shu-thesis-00653
Odendaal, L. (2024). Lived Experiences of Diverse Academics: An Analysis of UK Higher Education Institutions. (Doctoral thesis). Supervised by Snook, J., Bennett, E., & Taylor, C. http://doi.org/10.7190/shu-thesis-00653
Soutar, J. (2024). Social Impact Bonds: Issues of Identity and Independence for the Voluntary Sector. (Doctoral thesis). Supervised by Dayson, C., Bennett, E., & Wells, P. http://doi.org/10.7190/shu-thesis-00668
Soutar, J. (2024). Social Impact Bonds: Issues of Identity and Independence for the Voluntary Sector. (Doctoral thesis). Supervised by Dayson, C., Bennett, E., & Wells, P. http://doi.org/10.7190/shu-thesis-00668
Watts, J. (2022). Constructing non-profit collaboration:a macro discursive institutional perspective. (Doctoral thesis). Supervised by Bennett, E., Bennett, A., & Patmore, B. http://doi.org/10.7190/shu-thesis-00476
Watts, J. (2022). Constructing non-profit collaboration:a macro discursive institutional perspective. (Doctoral thesis). Supervised by Bennett, E., Bennett, A., & Patmore, B. http://doi.org/10.7190/shu-thesis-00476
Presentations
Bennett, E., Dayson, C., & Patmore, B. (2018). The distinctiveness of small NPOs working within communities experiencing multiple disadvantage: revisiting the theory of comparative advantage. Presented at: Association for Research on Nonprofit Organizations and Voluntary Action (ARNOVA) Conference, Austin, Texas, USA, 2018
Coule, T., Bennett, E., & Patmore, B. (2017). Bridging the Logic Divide in Public Service Delivery? The Case of Place-Based Early Action Interventions in the UK. Presented at: ARNOVA Conference 2017, Grand Rapids, Michigan
Postgraduate supervision
Ellen supervises a number of PhD projects, all of which consider the role of voluntary sector organisations.
Current projects which Ellen supervises include:
- Why do charities invest for income rather than mission?
- The role of voluntary sector infrastructure.
- The role of social enterprise in Nigeria.
If you are interested in undertaking a PhD within the field of voluntary sector/nonprofit studies, please get in touch with Ellen to discuss your ideas.