Professor Paul G A Hickman BSc (Hons); MPhil. cantab; PhD.

Paul is Professor of Housing and Social Policy within the Department of Psychology, Sociology & Politics (PSP) where he moved to from the Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research (CRESR) in 2015. He has undertaken research on a number of areas including: housing benefit; the impact of welfare reforms, including Universal Credit; 'resilience' to economic hardship; housing improvement; the private rented sector; residential mobility and immobility; community participation; 'third places'; housing management; housing and regeneration; and, French housing policy and practice.

Paul has successfully 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; 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 involved in two studies;

• Paul is leading the research consortium, which comprises Sheffield Hallam University, ScHARR at the University of Sheffield and QA Research, tasked with evaluating the impact of a major family intervention programme ('Cooperative Working') in Stoke-on-Trent. This longitudinal study, which is being funded by Stoke-on-Trent City Council, is employing a range of quantitative research techniques.
• Paul is a Co-investigator in the ERSC funded Collaborative Centre for Housing Evidence (CaCHE). As part of the work of the Centre, Paul is leading a study into the impact of welfare reforms on housing associations, whose findings will be presented in early Summer 2018.

Paul has written extensively and is the author of more than 20 academic outputs and 60 research reports. He is actively involved in the learned societies concerned with housing studies and was Chair of 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. During his time at CRESR, he has fulfilled a range of management roles including being the Centre's Postgraduate Tutor for six years.  

Other

• Housing Regeneration;
• Housing Benefit;
• Housing Management;
• Housing Improvement;
• Tenant Participation;
• The Private Rented Sector;
• Residential Mobility and Immobility;
• French Housing Policy and Practice;
• Social Policy;
• Welfare reform;
• Community Participation;
• Social Interaction (in Third Places);
• Individual 'Resilience' to Economic Hardship.

Department of Psychology, Sociology and Politics , Department of the Natural and Built Environment

Social Sciences and Arts

Paul contributes to teaching in the disciplines of Sociology & Politics.

• Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research

Paul has expertise in a number of areas including:

• The impact of welfare reforms, including Universal Credit;
• Housing Benefit;
• Housing Improvement;
• Housing Regeneration;
• Housing Management;
• Tenant Participation;
• The Private Rented Sector;
• Residential Mobility and Immobility;
• French Housing Policy & Practice;
• Social policy;
• Welfare reform;
• Community Participation;
• Social Interaction (in third places);
• Individual 'Resilience' to Economic Hardship;
• Family Intervention Projects.

Journal articles

Hickman, P. (2019). Understanding social housing tenants' rent payment behaviour: evidence from Great Britain. Housing Studies. 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.G., & 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

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., Pattison, B., & Preece, J. (2018). The impact of welfare reforms on housing associations: a scoping study. UK Collaborative Centre for Housing Evidence. https://www4.shu.ac.uk/research/cresr/sites/shu.ac.uk/files/cache-impact-welfare-reforms-housing-associations.pdf

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. http://www4.shu.ac.uk/research/cresr/sites/shu.ac.uk/files/assessment-need-furniture-provision-nihe-tenants.pdf

Ambrose, A., Eadson, W., Hickman, P., & Mccarthy, L. (2015). Tenancy sustainment amongst those aged under 35 : final report. Sheffield: Sheffield Hallam University. http://www4.shu.ac.uk/research/cresr/sites/shu.ac.uk/files/tenancy-sustainment-aged-under35.pdf

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://www4.shu.ac.uk/research/cresr/sites/shu.ac.uk/files/tenancy-sustainment-aged-under35-summary.pdf

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. http://www.shu.ac.uk/research/cresr/sites/shu.ac.uk/files/ofmdfm-social-economy-report.pdf

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. http://www.shu.ac.uk/research/cresr/sites/shu.ac.uk/files/ofmdfm-over-arching-final-report.pdf

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

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://www4.shu.ac.uk/research/cresr/sites/shu.ac.uk/files/ofmdfm-getting-by-final-report.pdf

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. http://www.shu.ac.uk/research/cresr/sites/shu.ac.uk/files/summary-dpdp-18-month-reports.pdf

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. http://www4.shu.ac.uk/research/cresr/sites/shu.ac.uk/files/dpdp-18-month-rent-account-analysis.pdf

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. http://www.gov.uk/Government/organisations/department-for-work-pensions/about/research#research-publications

Hickman, P., Reeve, K., Wilson, I., Green, S., & Kemp, P. (2014). Direct Payment Demonstration Projects: Rent underpayment. Department for Work and Pensions. http://www.shu.ac.uk/research/cresr/sites/shu.ac.uk/files/dpdp-rent-underpayment.pdf

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. http://www.shu.ac.uk/research/cresr/sites/shu.ac.uk/files/dpdp-key-findings-of-the-12-months-rent-account-analysis-exercise.pdf

Hickman, P., Reeve, K., & Green, S. (2014). Direct Payment Demonstration Projects: 12 months in extended learning report. Department for Work and Pensions. http://www.shu.ac.uk/research/cresr/sites/shu.ac.uk/files/dpdp-12-months-in-extended-learning-report.pdf

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., 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. http://www.shu.ac.uk/research/cresr/sites/shu.ac.uk/files/getting-by-difficult-times-summary.pdf

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. http://www.shu.ac.uk/research/cresr/sites/shu.ac.uk/files/getting-by-difficult-times.pdf

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. http://www.shu.ac.uk/research/cresr/sites/shu.ac.uk/files/ofmdfm-findings-baseline-survey.pdf

Hickman, P., & Reeve, K. (2013). Direct Payments Demonstration Projects: Learning the lessons, six months in - Research Summary. Department for Work and Pensions. http://www.shu.ac.uk/research/cresr/sites/shu.ac.uk/files/dpdp-lessons-six-months-summary.pdf

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. http://www.shu.ac.uk/research/cresr/sites/shu.ac.uk/files/village-sos-evaluation.pdf

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. http://www.shu.ac.uk/research/cresr/sites/shu.ac.uk/files/houses-all-look-posh-now.pdf

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. http://www.shu.ac.uk/research/cresr2/sites/shu.ac.uk/files/houses-all-look-posh-now-key-findings.pdf

Green, S., & Hickman, P. (2010). Residents’ stories from six challenging neighbourhoods. Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research, Sheffield Hallam University. http://www.shu.ac.uk/research/cresr/sites/shu.ac.uk/files/residents-stories-six-challenging-neighbourhoods.pdf

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://www4.shu.ac.uk/research/cresr/sites/shu.ac.uk/files/eval-north-staffs-landlord-accreditation.pdf

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. http://www.shu.ac.uk/research/cresr/sites/shu.ac.uk/files/private-rented-sector-west-yorkshire.pdf

Green, S., Hickman, P., Hunter, C., & Whittle, S. (2007). Bridging NewcastleGateshead Private Landlord Survey. Sheffield Hallam University, Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research. http://www.shu.ac.uk/research/cresr/sites/shu.ac.uk/files/bng-private-landlord-survey.pdf

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. http://www.shu.ac.uk/research/cresr/sites/shu.ac.uk/files/understanding-housing-demand.pdf

Theses / Dissertations

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.

Paul has supervised seven students to the successful completion of their doctoral studies and is currently supervising five students.

Built environment, Economics, Regeneration, Social affairs, Society, Research