Dr Lindsey McCarthy BA (Hons), MA, PhD
Research Fellow
Summary
Dr Lindsey McCarthy is a Research Fellow at the Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research (CRESR). She has experience in a range of qualitative research methods and techniques used in a variety of fieldwork settings, and with a number of different participant groups, including high-level professionals and those facing multiple disadvantage.
About
Lindsey’s research broadly focuses on the needs, experiences and service encounters of people facing multiple disadvantage. Cutting across this work is an interest in how poverty, homelessness, trauma and other inequalities overlap and interconnect. Lindsey’s most recent work, as part of a SHU Early Career Fellowship, has explored how homelessness practitioners understand trauma, and how such understandings translate into practice through their implementation of trauma-informed approaches. This work further unpacks how trauma-informed approaches operate on the ground, how they vary between services, and the extent to which they reflect the reality of practice in homelessness services.
Lindsey's PhD, completed in 2015 at Sheffield Hallam University, explored homeless women's experiences and constructions of home, homelessness and identity, and employed participatory visual methodologies (participant-led photography and 'photo elicitation' techniques).
While at CRESR, Lindsey has developed expertise in delivering extensive policy-focused research and evaluations for national governments and government departments, charities and public sector health bodies.
Research interests
- Experiences of homelessness and multiple disadvantage
- Trauma and trauma-informed approaches
- Marginalised groups and identities
- Qualitative data collection and analysis
Teaching
College of Social Sciences and Arts
Research
- Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research
- Social and Economic Research Institute
2023 The financial impact of pet ownership in rental properties: a cost-benefit analysis, Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, University of Huddersfield.
2022 - 2023 Supported Housing Review, DLUHC / DWP.
2022 – 2025 Cold comfort: A social, cultural and technological history of heating, CHANSE.
2021 – 2022 A critical exploration of trauma-informed approaches in the homelessness sector, Sheffield Hallam University Early Career Researcher Fellowship.
2021 - 2022 Evaluation for the Rough Sleeping Drug and Alcohol Treatment Grant: Year 1 Evaluation, OHID.
2020 - 2021 Evaluation of Ask and Act, Welsh Government.
2020 - 2021 Research into LA Enforcement and Property Guardians, MHCLG.
2019 - 2021 Fulfilling Lives Lambeth Southwark Lewisham: Evaluation and Learning Partner, New Philanthropy Capital.
2019 - 2020 Rough Sleeping Evaluation, Public Health England.
2018 - 2020 Evaluation and Learning Partner, The Nationwide Foundation.
2018 - 2019 Complex Needs Process Evaluation, MHCLG.
2017 - 2020 BRC First Call Evaluation, British Red Cross.
Publications
Key Publications
Mccarthy, L., Parr, S., Green, S., & Reeve, K. (2020). Understanding Models of Support for People Facing Multiple Disadvantage: A Literature Review. Sheffield: Sheffield Hallam University. http://doi.org/10.7190/cresr.2020.1497611276
Journal articles
Mccarthy, L., & Simcock, T. (2024). Pets and private renting: A rapid evidence review of the barriers, benefits, and challenges. International Journal of Housing Policy. http://doi.org/10.1080/19491247.2024.2308711
Redman, J., Fletcher, D., White, R., & Mccarthy, L. (2022). 'You had to be the detective': implementing workfare in British employment services. Journal of Social Policy. http://doi.org/10.1017/S0047279422000733
Mccarthy, L., & Parr, S. (2022). Is LGBT homelessness different? Reviewing the relationship between LGBT identity and homelessness. Housing Studies. http://doi.org/10.1080/02673037.2022.2104819
Pattison, B., & Mccarthy, L. (2020). The role of mental health in multiple exclusion homelessness. Social Policy and Society. http://doi.org/10.1017/S147474642000069X
Mccarthy, L. (2019). Homeless women, material objects and home (un)making. Housing Studies. http://doi.org/10.1080/02673037.2019.1659235
Ambrose, A., & Mccarthy, L. (2019). Taming the 'masculine pioneers'? Changing attitudes towards energy efficiency amongst private landlords and tenants in New Zealand: A case study of Dunedin. Energy Policy, 126, 165-176. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.enpol.2018.11.018
Mccarthy, L. (2017). (Re)conceptualising the boundaries between home and homelessness: the unheimlich. Housing Studies, 33 (6), 960-985. http://doi.org/10.1080/02673037.2017.1408780
Green, S., & Mccarthy, L. (2015). Is sharing the solution? : exploring the opportunities and challenges of privately rented shared accommodation for single people in housing need. People, Place and Policy, 9 (3), 159-178. http://doi.org/10.3351/ppp.0009.0003.0001
Mccarthy, L. (2013). ‘It’s Coming from the Heart’: Exploring a Student’s Experiences of ‘Home’ Using Participatory Visual Methodologies. Graduate Journal of Social Science, 10 (2), 76-105. http://gjss.org/issues/10/02
Mccarthy, L. (2013). Homelessness and identity : a critical review of the literature and theory. People, place and policy online, 7 (1), 46-58. http://doi.org/10.3351/ppp.0007.0001.0004
Conference papers
Mccarthy, L. (2015). The unhomely home : women, home-lessness and the unheimlich. In Housing Studies Association Conference, York, 8 April 2015 - 10 April 2015. http://housing-studies-association.org/event/hsa-conference-2015/2015-04-08/
Reports
Mccarthy, L., Ambrose, A., Davies, K., Jiglau, G., Kilpeläinen, S., Palm, J., ... Vornicu, A. (2023). Domestic heating transitions: a literature review. Sheffield Hallam University. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/domestic-heating-transitions-a-literature-review
Formby, E., Reeve, K., Mccarthy, L., Parr, S., & Batty, E. (2022). LGBT people’s experiences of homelessness. Government Equalities Office.
Mccarthy, L. (2022). Trauma-informed approaches in homelessness practice: an exploration of practitioner understandings and implementation. Sheffield Hallam University, Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/trauma-informed-approaches-in-homelessness-practice
Bimpson, E., Reeve, K., Batty, E., Chambers, J., Goodchild, B., Mccarthy, L., ... Wilson, I. (2022). Local authority enforcement in the private rented sector: headline report. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/local-authority-enforcement-in-the-private-rented-sector-headline-report/local-authority-enforcement-in-the-private-rented-sector-headline-report
Harris, C., Mccarthy, L., Speake, B., Hulbert, A., & Clifford, J. (2022). Evaluation of Ask and Act. Welsh Government. https://gov.wales/sites/default/files/statistics-and-research/2022-01/evaluation-ask-and-act-685.pdf
Archer, T., & Mccarthy, L. (2021). Community-led housing and the speed of development: briefing note. Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research, Sheffield Hallam University. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/community-led-housing-and-the-speed-of-development-briefing-note
Ambrose, A., Gilbertson, J., Speake, B., Bimpson, E., Mccarthy, L., & Ramsden, S. (2021). Cross-sector review of affordability support: an evidence review for the Consumer Council for Water. Sheffield Hallam University, Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research. http://doi.org/10.7190/cresr.2021.6894611266
Gilbertson, J., Bashir, N., Mccarthy, L., & Tod, A. (2019). An Evaluation of Age UK's Person Centred Discharge Pathfinder Programme. Sheffield Hallam University Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research. http://doi.org/10.7190/cresr.2019.7329927279
Archer, T., Crisp, R., Ferrari, E., Green, S., Mccarthy, L., Moore, T., ... Sacranie, H. (2019). Scaling up social lettings? Scope, impact and barriers. Joseph Rowntree Foundation. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/scaling-up-social-lettings-scope-impact-and-barriers
Crisp, R., Ferrari, E., Gore, T., Green, S., Mccarthy, L., Rae, A., ... Stevens, M. (2018). Tackling transport-related barriers to employment in low-income neighbourhoods. York: Joseph Rowntree Foundation.
Reeve, K., Mccarthy, L., Pattison, B., Parr, S., Batty, E., Maye-Banbury, A., ... Dayson, C. (2018). The mental health needs of Nottingham's homeless population: an exploratory research study. Sheffield: Sheffield Hallam University. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/the-mental-health-needs-of-nottinghams-homeless-population-an-exploratory-research-study
Reeve, K., Mccarthy, L., Pattison, B., Parr, S., Batty, E., Maye-Banbury, A., ... Dayson, C. (2018). The mental health needs of Nottingham's homeless population: an exploratory research study - executive summary. Sheffield: Sheffield Hallam University. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/the-mental-health-needs-of-nottinghams-homeless-population--executive-summary
Gilbertson, J., Leather, D., Mccarthy, L., & Wilson, I. (2018). An evaluation of Cash Smart Credit Savvy: Final Report. Sheffield: Sheffield Hallam University. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/an-evaluation-of-cash-smart-credit-savvy-final-report
Archer, T., Green, S., Leather, D., Mccarthy, L., Wilson, I., Robinson, D., & Tait, M. (2018). Older people's housing, care and support needs in Greater Cambridge 2017-2036. Sheffield: Sheffield Hallam University. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/older-peoples-housing-care-and-support-needs-in-greater-cambridge-2017-2036
Batty, E., Foden, M., Green, S., Mccarthy, L., Robinson, D., & Wilson, I. (2017). Evaluation of Extra Care Housing in Wales. Cardiff: Welsh Government. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/evaluation-of-extra-care-housing-in-wales
Batty, E., Foden, M., Green, S., Mccarthy, L., Robinson, D., & Wilson, I. (2017). Evaluation of extra care housing in Wales: Executive summary. Cardiff: Welsh Government. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/evaluation-of-extra-care-housing-in-wales-executive-summary
Crisp, R., Gore, T., & Mccarthy, L. (2017). Addressing transport barriers to work in low income neighbourhoods: A review of evidence and practice. Sheffield: Sheffield Hallam University. http://doi.org/10.7190/cresr.2017.3465773384
Ambrose, A., Mccarthy, L., & Pinder, J. (2017). Energy (in) efficiency: what tenants expect and endure in private rented housing - Research Summary. Kendal: Eaga. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/energy-in-efficiency-what-tenants-expect-and-endure-in-private-rented-housing---research-summary
Bashir, N., Dayson, C., Mccarthy, L., Chowbey, P., & Ismail, M. (2016). Making the most of primary and community services: what works for BAME people with long-term conditions? Research Summary. Sheffield Hallam University. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/making-the-most-of-primary-and-community-services-what-works-for-bame-people-with-long-term--summary
Bashir, N., Dayson, C., Mccarthy, L., Ismail, M., & Chowbey, P. (2016). Making the most of primary and community services : what works for BAME people with long-term conditions? Sheffield Hallam University. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/making-the-most-of-primary-and-community-services-what-works-for-bame-people-with-long-term
Ambrose, A., Mccarthy, L., & Pinder, J. (2016). Energy (in)efficiency: what tenants expect and endure in private rented housing. A final report to the Eaga Charitable Trust. Sheffield: Sheffield Hallam University. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/energy-in-efficiency-what-tenants-expect-and-endure-in-private-rented-housing
Crisp, R., Mccarthy, L., Parr, S., Pearson, S., & Berry, N. (2016). Community-led approaches to reducing poverty in neighbourhoods: a review of evidence and practice. Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research, Sheffield Hallam University. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/community-led-approaches-to-reducing-poverty-in-neighbourhoods-a-review-of-evidence-and-practice
Mccarthy, L., Ambrose, A., & Pinder, J. (2016). Energy (In)Efficiency: Exploring what tenants expect and endure in the private rented sector in England. Making the case for more research into the tenant's perspective. An evidence review. Sheffield: Sheffield Hallam University. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/energy-inefficiency-exploring-what-tenants-expect-and-endure-in-the-private-rented-sector-in-england
Cole, I., Green, S., Mccarthy, L., & Pattison, B. (2015). The Impact of the Existing Right to Buy and the Implications for the Proposed Extension of Right to Buy to Housing Associations. Parliament Website: Communities and Local Government Select Committee. https://www.parliament.uk/documents/commons-committees/communities-and-local-government/Full-Report-for-Select-Committee-141015final.pdf
Ambrose, A., Eadson, W., Hickman, P., & Mccarthy, L. (2015). Tenancy sustainment amongst those aged under 35 : final report. Sheffield: Sheffield Hallam University. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/tenancy-sustainment-amongst-those-aged-under-35-final-report
Ambrose, A., Eadson, W., Hickman, P., & Mccarthy, L. (2015). Tenancy sustainment amongst those aged under 35: executive summary. Sheffield Hallam University, Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/tenancy-sustainment-amongst-those-aged-under-35-executive-summary
Mccarthy, L., Batty, E., Beatty, C., Casey, R., Foden, M., & Reeve, K. (2015). Homeless people’s experiences of welfare conditionality andbenefit sanctions. London: Crisis. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/homeless-peoples-experiences-of-welfare-conditionality-and-benefit-sanctions
Batty, E., Beatty, C., Casey, R., Foden, M., Mccarthy, L., & Reeve, K. (2015). Homeless people’s experiences of welfare conditionality and benefit sanctions: Executive Summary. Crisis. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/homeless-peoples-experiences-of-welfare-conditionality-and-benefit-sanctions-executive-summary
Bamonte, J., Bashir, N., Chowbey, P., Dayson, C., Gore, T., Ismail, M., & Mccarthy, L. (2015). Increasing the uptake of primary and community long-term conditions services in Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) communities in Nottingham - an exploratory research study. Sheffield Hallam University, Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/increasing-the-uptake-of-primary-and-community-long-term-conditions-services-in-black-and-minority
Beatty, C., Foden, M., Mccarthy, L., & Reeve, K. (2015). Benefit sanctions and homelessness: a scoping report. Crisis. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/benefit-sanctions-and-homelessness-a-scoping-report
Green, S., Mccarthy, L., Reeve, K., Cole, I., & Batty, E. (2015). Evaluation of the sharing solutions programme. London: Crisis UK. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/evaluation-of-the-sharing-solutions-programme
McCarthy, L., Parr, S., Green, S., & Reeve, K. (n.d.). Understanding Models of Support for People Facing Multiple Disadvantage: A Literature Review. Sheffield Hallam University. http://doi.org/10.7190/cresr.2020.1497611276
McCarthy, L., Ambrose, A., & Pinder, J. (n.d.). Energy (In)Efficiency: Exploring what tenants expect and endure in the private rented sector in England. Sheffield Hallam University. http://doi.org/10.7190/cresr.2020.8936189508
Theses / Dissertations
Mccarthy, L.J. (2015). (Re)negotiating the self: homeless women's constructions of home, Homelessness and Identity. (Doctoral thesis). Supervised by Reeve, K., & Casey, R.
Other publications
Mccarthy, L. (2020). Thinking home: interdisciplinary dialogues. Informa UK Limited: http://doi.org/10.1080/02673037.2020.1727632
McCarthy, L. (n.d.). Book Review - Gender Equality in the Welfare State? Sheffield Hallam University: http://doi.org/10.3351/ppp.0009.0003.0005
Other activities
Editorial Board People, Place and Policy.
CRESR PhD Forum Coordinator (joint)
Postgraduate supervision
Alex Norton (commenced 2022) ‘Understanding trauma through the experience of homelessness: analysing life histories of the rough sleeping homeless’. (Director of Studies).
Sophie Negus (2017 - 2021) ‘The branding of welfare assistance: an exploration of in-work claimants’ experiences’. (Second supervisor).
Rebecca Greenwood (commenced 2021) ‘Exploring the role of informal urban community support in homeless women’s sense of dignity’. (Director of studies).
Jess Scott (commenced 2021) ‘Understanding ‘home’ for adults aged 18-35 living in long-term residential care’. (Second supervisor).
Lindsey would welcome enquiries around supervising doctoral research in the following broad areas
- Homelessness and housing exclusion
- The meaning of home
- Marginalisation and stigmatisation