Professor Paul G A Hickman BSc (Hons); MPhil. cantab; PhD
Research Lead, Department of Psychology, Sociology and Politics
Summary
Paul is Professor of Housing and Social Policy within the Department of Psychology, Sociology and Politics (PSP). Paul has expertise in: tenancy sustainment in social housing; tenant participation in the social and private rented sectors; tenancy sustainment in social housing; the impact of welfare reforms, including Universal Credit, on both landlords and tenants; Housing Benefit; and, 'resilience' to economic hardship. Paul has led studies for a range of funders including: the Joseph Rowntree Foundation; the Department for Work and Pensions; the Office for the First Minister and Deputy Minister; the Northern Ireland Housing Executive; Wakefield and District Housing; and, Stoke-on-Trent City Council. Paul is currently leading the ‘Holding on to home: tenancy sustainment in social housing’ study, which is funded by the Nuffield Foundation. Paul has been a Co-Investigator of the ESRC/ AHRC/ Joseph Rowntree Foundation funded, the Collaborative Centre for Housing Evidence (‘CaCHE’). He is the Departmental Research Lead for PSP and Co-Director of the Sheffield Institute for Policy Studies. He was chair of the learned society, the Housing Studies Association, for four years.
About
Paul is Professor of Housing and Social Policy within the Department of Psychology, Sociology and Politics (PSP), where he moved to from the Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research (CRESR) in 2015. He has conducted research on a range of subjects including: tenancy sustainment in social housing; tenant participation in the social and private rented sectors; tenancy sustainment in social housing; the impact of welfare reforms, including Universal Credit, on both landlords and tenants; Housing Benefit; housing improvement and regeneration; residential (im)mobility; housing policy and practice in France; 'resilience' to economic hardship; and, social interaction in ‘third places’.
Paul has managed major research projects for a number of funders including: the Joseph Rowntree Foundation; the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government; the Department for Work and Pensions; the Office for the First Minister and Deputy First Minister; the Northern Ireland Housing Executive; Leeds City Council; Carlisle City Council; Stoke-on-Trent City Council; Wakefield and District Housing; Hyde Housing Group; Gateway Housing Market Renewal Pathfinder; Bridging Newcastle/Gateshead Housing Market Renewal Pathfinder; the West Yorkshire Housing Partnership; the British Council; the British Academy; and the French Government Ministries, Plan Urbanisme Construction Architecture and Délégation Interministérielle à La Ville. Paul is currently leading the ‘Holding on to home: tenancy sustainment in social housing’ study, which is funded by the Nuffield Foundation
Paul has been a Co-investigator in the ESRC/ AHRC/ Joseph Rowntree Foundation funded Collaborative Centre for Housing Evidence (‘CaCHE’), and has published reports on tenant participation and the impact on welfare reforms on housing associations as part of his work for CaCHE (see Publications).
Paul is the author of more than 20 academic outputs and 60 research reports. He was Chair of the learned society, the Housing Studies Association, for four years. Paul is the Departmental Lead for Research in PSP. He is also the Co-Director of the Sheffield Institute for Policy Studies.
Teaching
Sheffield Institute of Social Sciences
College of Social Sciences and Arts
Paul contributes to teaching in the disciplines of Sociology & Politics.
Research
- Social and Economic Research Institute
I am currently involved in two studies:
• I am leading a Nuffield Foundation funded study: ‘Holding on to Home: Tenancy sustainment in social housing’. The study is paying particular attention to identifying the causes of rent arrears, as this is the main reason why tenancies fail. This is an under-researched issue, which is problematic because tenants are finding it increasingly difficult to pay their rent, as new drivers of rents arrears emerge, and existing ones ‘play-out’, differently. This is because the context within which tenants pay their rent has changed significantly in recent years and, critically, is continuing to change. Key developments include: the continued roll-out of the welfare reform, Universal Credit, and the impact of other reforms ‘biting’; the COVID-19 pandemic and the lifting of temporary measures designed to mitigate its impact (furlough, the Universal Credit payment uplift, and the suspension on evictions); and, the cost of living crisis. By exploring the behaviours of tenants and landlords, the research will provide evidence and guidance which will improve landlords’ tenancy sustainment policies and practices, making it easier for tenants to pay their rent and fewer tenancies failing. The research is multi-disciplinary and mixed methods, employing a range of quantitative and qualitative research instruments. Data collection is taking place in four case study landlords in England. A Tenant Steering Group is overseeing all aspects of the research, and the study is also being guided by a Policy and Practice Advisory Group. The Holding on to Home study is a collaboration between Sheffield Hallam University, where the core research team are based, Qa Research, the Chartered Institute of Housing, HQN (Housing Quality Network), and Andrew Burdett Design.
• Behavioural Insights Project Round Two: Testing what works to increase the reach and uptake of family hub services by disadvantaged and vulnerable families, which is being funded by the Department for Education.
Link 1: Understanding Approaches to Tenant Participation in the Private Rented Sector in Northern Ireland
Link 2: Understanding social housing landlords’ approaches to tenant participation
Link 3: The impact of welfare reforms on housing associations
Link 4: Holding on to home: tenancy sustainment in social housing
Nuffield Foundation
Department for Education
Publications
Journal articles
Hickman, P. (2021). Understanding social housing tenants' rent payment behaviour: evidence from Great Britain. Housing Studies, 36 (2), 235-257. http://doi.org/10.1080/02673037.2019.1697799
Preece, J., Hickman, P., & Pattison, B. (2019). The affordability of ‘affordable’ housing in England: conditionality and exclusion in a context of welfare reform. Housing Studies. http://doi.org/10.1080/02673037.2019.1653448
Hickman, P. (2017). A flawed construct? Understanding and unpicking the concept of resilience in the context of economic hardship. Social Policy and Society, 1-16. http://doi.org/10.1017/S1474746417000227
Hickman, P., Kemp, P.A., Reeve, K., & Wilson, I. (2017). The impact of the direct payment of housing benefit: evidence from Great Britain. Housing Studies, 32 (8), 1105-1126. http://doi.org/10.1080/02673037.2017.1301401
Hickman, P. (2013). "Third places" and social interaction in deprived neighbourhoods in Great Britain. Journal of Housing and the Built Environment, 28 (2), 221-236. http://doi.org/10.1007/s10901-012-9306-5
Hickman, P. (2013). Getting on their bikes? The labour market as a driver of the residential mobility decisions of residents in deprived neighbourhoods. Journal of Urban Regeneration and Renewal, 6 (3), 293-308. http://henrystewart.metapress.com/app/home/contribution.asp?referrer=parent&backto=issue,9,11;journal,2,24;linkingpublicationresults,1:120775,1
Hall, S., & Hickman, P. (2011). Resident participation in housing regeneration in France. Housing Studies, 26 (6), 827-843. http://doi.org/10.1080/02673037.2011.593127
Goodchild, B., Jeannot, G., & Hickman, P. (2010). Professions, occupational roles and skills in urban policy : a reworking of the debates in England and France. Urban Studies, 47 (12), 2555-2572. http://doi.org/10.1177/0042098009359954
Jeannot, G., Goodchild, B., & Hickman, P. (2008). Les nouveaux métiers de la ville : Pouvoirs publics et recherche urbaine = New professions in urban planning: Public authorities and urban research. Annales de la recherche urbaine, 104, 100-109.
Hickman, P. (2006). Approaches to tenant participation in the English local authority sector. Housing studies, 21 (2), 209-225. http://doi.org/10.1080/02673030500484802
Hickman, P., & Robinson, D. (2006). Transforming Social Housing: Taking Stock of New Complexities. Housing Studies, 21 (2), 157-170. http://doi.org/10.1080/02673030500484786
Goodchild, B., & Hickman, P. (2006). Towards a regional strategy for the North of England? An assessment of ‘The Northern Way’. Regional Studies, 40 (1), 121-133. http://doi.org/10.1080/00343400500450125
Ewald, G., Hickman, J.B., Hickman, P., & Myers, F. (2005). Physics First: The Right-Side-Up Science Sequence. The Physics Teacher, 43 (5), 319-320. http://doi.org/10.1119/1.1903844
Hall, S., & Hickman, P. (2005). Responding to unpopular social housing in Vaulz en Velin, Greater Lyon: an English perspective. European journal of housing policy, 5 (1), 19-39. http://doi.org/10.1080/14616710500055646
Hickman, P., & Manning, J. (2004). Community involvement in neighbourhood regeneration: who participates? Voluntary action: the journal for the institute of voluntary research, 7 (1), 43-59. http://voluntaryaction.ivr.org.uk/articles/19.html
Reid, B., & Hickman, P. (2002). Are housing organisations learning organisations? Some lessons from the management of tenant participation. Housing studies, 17 (6), 895-918. http://doi.org/10.1080/02673030215998
Goodchild, B.J., Hickman, P.G., & Robinson, D. (2002). Unpopular housing in England in conditions of low demand: coping with a diversity of problems and policy measures. Town planning review, 73 (4), 373-393. http://doi.org/10.3828/tpr.73.4.1
Hall, S., & Hickman, P. (2002). Neighbourhood Renewal and Urban Policy: A Comparison of New Approaches in England and France. Regional Studies, 36 (6), 691-696. http://doi.org/10.1080/00343400220146821
Reports
Hickman, P., Reeve, K., Wilson, I., Thomas, P., Kilby, L., Lamb, M., ... Prestwich, J. (2025). Tenancy sustainment in social housing: Final report. Sheffield Hallam University. http://doi.org/10.7190/h2h.2024.0374798696
Hickman, P., Reeve, K., Wilson, I., Thomas, P., Kilby, L., Lamb, M., ... Prestwich, J. (2025). Tenancy sustainment in social housing: Key findings. Sheffield Hallam University. http://doi.org/10.7190/h2h.2024.9113866259
Hickman, P., Reeve, K., Wilson, I., Thomas, P., Kilby, L., Lamb, M., ... Prestwich, J. (2025). Promoting tenancy sustainment in social housing: a guide for social landlords. Sheffield Hallam University. http://doi.org/10.7190/h2h.2024.1332637625
Hickman, P., Reeve, K., Wilson, I., Thomas, P., Kilby, L., Lamb, M., ... Prestwich, J. (2025). Tenancy sustainment in social housing: Final report - additional information about the research methods used by the study team. Sheffield Hallam University. http://doi.org/10.7190/h2h.2024.840719544
Hickman, P., Reeve, K., Bimpson, E., Lamb, M., Manzi, T., & Speake, B. (2023). Engaging with tenants to sustain their tenancies: insights from interviews with case study stakeholders. Nuffield Foundation. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/engaging-with-tenants-to-sustain-their-tenancies
Hickman, P., Reeve, K., Bimpson, E., Lamb, M., Manzi, T., & Speake, A. (2023). Engaging with tenants to sustain their tenancies: insights from interviews with case study stakeholders - Summary. Nuffield Foundation. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/engaging-with-tenants-to-sustain-their-tenancies-summary
Hickman, P., & Joe, F. (2021). Understanding Approaches to Tenant Participation in the Private Rented Sector in Northern Ireland: A Scoping Report. UK Collaborative Centre for Housing Evidence. https://housingevidence.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Understanding-Approaches-to-Tenant-Participation-in-the-Private-Rented-Sector-in-Northern-Ireland-v4.pdf
Hickman, P., & Jenny, P. (2019). Understanding social housing landlords’ approaches to tenant participation: a scoping study. UK Collaborative Centre for Housing Evidence. https://housingevidence.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Hickman_Preece_TP_Report_v3.pdf
Hickman, P., Pattison, B., & Preece, J. (2018). The impact of welfare reforms on housing associations: a scoping study. UK Collaborative Centre for Housing Evidence. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/the-impact-of-welfare-reforms-on-housing-associations
Ambrose, A., Batty, E., Eadson, W., Hickman, P., & Quinn, G. (2016). Assessment of the need for furniture provision for new NIHE tenants. Sheffield: Sheffield Hallam University. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/assessment-of-the-need-for-furniture-provision-for-new-nihe-tenants
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
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
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
Hickman, P., Dayson, C., Batty, E., & Muir, J. (2015). Understanding higher levels of volunteering: the case of Short Strand and Sion Mills. Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research, Sheffield Hallam University. http://www.shu.ac.uk/research/cresr/sites/shu.ac.uk/files/ofmdfm-second-thematic-report.pdf
Batty, E., Muir, J., Hickman, P., & Dayson, C. (2015). Understanding higher levels of volunteering: the case of Short Strand and Sion Mills - Research Paper No. 2. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/understanding-higher-levels-of-volunteering-the-case-of-short-strand-and-sion-mills
Hickman, P., Batty, E., Dayson, C., Flint, J., Foden, M., Muir, J., ... Green, S. (2015). 'Getting By', Coping and Resilience in Difficult Times: Final Report. Sheffield Hallam University, Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/getting-by-coping-and-resilience-in-difficult-times-final-report
Hickman, P., Reeve, K., Kemp, P., Wilson, I., Green, S., & Dayson, C. (2014). Direct Payment Demonstration Projects: 18 month stage reports. Department for Work and Pensions. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/direct-payment-demonstration-projects-18-month-stage-reports
Reeve, K., Wilson, I., Hickman, P., & Dayson, C. (2014). Direct payment demonstration projects: Key findings of the 18th months' rent account analysis exercise. London: Department for Work and Pensions. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/direct-payment-demonstration-projects-key-findings-of-the-18-months-rent-account-analysis-exercise
Hickman, P., Reeve, K., Kemp, P., Wilson, I., & Green, S. (2014). Direct payment demonstration projects: Key findings of the programme evaluation. Final report. London: Department for Work and Pensions. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/direct-payment-demonstration-projects-key-findings-of-the-programme-evaluation
Hickman, P., Reeve, K., Wilson, I., Green, S., & Kemp, P. (2014). Direct Payment Demonstration Projects: Rent underpayment. Department for Work and Pensions. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/direct-payment-demonstration-projects-rent-underpayment
Reeve, K., Wilson, I., Hickman, P., & Dayson, C. (2014). Direct Payment Demonstration Projects: Key findings of the 12-months’ Rent Account Analysis exercise. Department for Work and Pensions. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/direct-payment-demonstration-projects-key-findings-of-the-12-months-rent-account-analysis-exercise
Hickman, P., Reeve, K., & Green, S. (2014). Direct Payment Demonstration Projects: 12 months in extended learning report. Department for Work and Pensions. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/direct-payment-demonstration-projects-12-months-in-extended-learning-report
Hickman, P., Reeve, K., Wilson, I., Green, S., Dayson, C., & Kemp, P. (2014). Direct Payment Demonstration Projects: 12 month stage reports. Department for Work and Pensions. http://www.shu.ac.uk/research/cresr/sites/shu.ac.uk/files/dwp-research-summary-dpdp-12-month-stage-reports.pdf
Hickman, P., Reeve, K., Wilson, I., Green, S., Dayson, C., & Kemp, P. (2014). DWP Research Summary - Direct Payment Demonstration Projects: 12 month stage reports. Department for Work and Pensions. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/dwp-research-summary---direct-payment-demonstration-projects-12-month-stage-reports
Hickman, P., Batty, E., Dayson, C., & Muir, J. (2014). 'Getting-by', coping and resilience in difficult times: initial findings - summary. Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research, Sheffield Hallam University. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/getting-by-coping-and-resilience-in-difficult-times-initial-findings---summary
Hickman, P., Batty, E., Dayson, C., & Muir, J. (2014). 'Getting-by', coping and resilience in difficult times: initial findings. Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research, Sheffield Hallam University. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/getting-by-coping-and-resilience-in-difficult-times-initial-findings
Hickman, P., Flint, J.F., Muir, J., & Dayson, C. (2013). Recession, resilience and rebalancing social economies in Northern Ireland's neighbourhoods: findings from a baseline survey of residents. Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research, Sheffield Hallam University. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/recession-resilience-and-rebalancing-social-economies-in-northern-irelands-neighbourhoods
Hickman, P., & Reeve, K. (2013). Direct Payments Demonstration Projects: Learning the lessons, six months in - Research Summary. Department for Work and Pensions. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/direct-payments-demonstration-projects-learning-the-lessons-six-months-in---research-summary
Wells, P., Hickman, P., Dayson, C., Walshaw, A., Batty, E., Gore, T., ... O'Toole, C. (2012). Village SOS Project Evaluation. Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research, Sheffield Hallam University. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/village-sos-project-evaluation
Hickman, P., Walshaw, A., Gore, T., Ferrari, E., & Wilson, I. (2011). “The Houses all Look Posh Now” - Evaluating the Impact of a Housing Improvement Programme: The Case of Portobello and Belle Vue. Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research, Sheffield Hallam University. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/the-houses-all-look-posh-now---evaluating-the-impact-of-a-housing-improvement-programme
Hickman, P., Walshaw, A., Gore, A., Ferrari, E., & Wilson, I. (2011). “The Houses all Look Posh Now” - Evaluating the Impact of a Housing Improvement Programme: the Case of Portobello and Belle Vue - Key Findings and Policy Messages. Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research, Sheffield Hallam University. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/the-houses-all-look-posh-now---key-findings-and-policy-messages
Bashir, N., Batty, E., Cole, I., Crisp, R., Flint, J., Green, S., ... Robinson, D. (2011). Living through change in challenging neighbourhoods: thematic analysis. Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF). https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/living-through-change-in-challenging-neighbourhoods-thematic-analysis
Green, S., & Hickman, P. (2010). Residents’ stories from six challenging neighbourhoods. Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research, Sheffield Hallam University. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/residents-stories-from-six-challenging-neighbourhoods
Green, S., Hickman, P., Foden, M., & Powell, R. (2010). An Evaluation of the North Staffordshire Landlord Accreditation Scheme. Sheffield Hallam University, Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/an-evaluation-of-the-north-staffordshire-landlord-accreditation-scheme
Hickman, P., Sprigings, N., McCoulough, E., & Cole, I. (2008). The Private Rented Sector in West Yorkshire: Final Report. Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research, Sheffield Hallam University. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/the-private-rented-sector-in-west-yorkshire-final-report
Green, S., Hickman, P., Hunter, C., & Whittle, S. (2007). Bridging NewcastleGateshead Private Landlord Survey. Sheffield Hallam University, Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/bridging-newcastlegateshead-private-landlord-survey
Hickman, P., Robinson, D., Casey, R., Green, S., & Powell, R. (2007). Understanding Housing Demand: Learning from rising markets in Yorkshire and the Humber. the Chartered Institute of Housing/Joseph Rowntree Foundation. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/understanding-housing-demand-learning-from-rising-markets-in-yorkshire-and-the-humber
Theses / Dissertations
Archer, B. (2024). Investigating the Implementation of Public Spaces Protection Orders. (Doctoral thesis). Supervised by Heap, V., Dickinson, J., & Hickman, P. http://doi.org/10.7190/shu-thesis-00619
Negus, S.C. (2021). Getting personal: investigating how living with universal credit affects emotions and identities. (Doctoral thesis). Supervised by Hickman, P. http://doi.org/10.7190/shu-thesis-00413
McHugh, R. (2018). Educating 'Gangsters': Social space, informal learning andbecoming 'Gang' involved. (Doctoral thesis). Supervised by Hickman, P. http://doi.org/10.7190/shu-thesis-00017
Preece, J. (2015). Residential mobility, work and belonging in low-income communities. (Doctoral thesis). Supervised by Hickman, P., & Crisp, R.
Bright, J.B. (2010). Liquid modernity as an analytical framework: a study of isolated northern towns. (Doctoral thesis). Supervised by Hickman, P., & Hall, S.
Hamm, P. (2009). Constructions of 'gendered agency' : Perspectives from a multi-ethnic Sure Start programme. (Doctoral thesis). Supervised by Flint, J.F., & Hickman, P.
Albanese, F.C. (2007). Decision-making in the Housing Association sector : the case of asset management. (Doctoral thesis). Supervised by Hickman, P., & Cole, I.
Ambrose, A. (n.d.). Using qualitative methods to understand non-technological aspects of domestic energy efficiency. (Doctoral thesis). Supervised by Hickman, P., Goodchild, B., & Macaskill, A.
Postgraduate supervision
Paul has supervised nine students to the successful completion of their doctoral studies and is currently supervising four students.
Media
Built environment, Economics, Regeneration, Social affairs, Society, Research