Richard Crisp

Richard Crisp BA, MSc, PhD

Reader


Summary

Richard Crisp is a researcher at the Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research (CRESR) at Sheffield Hallam University. He specialises in research on inclusive and sustainable economies, ‘alternative’ approaches to economic development, poverty, worklessness, and social and spatial inequalities.

About

Richard’s research focuses on inclusive and sustainable economies and how policy can address economic, social and environmental inequalities. He is particularly interested in ‘alternative approaches’ to economic development (e.g. inclusive growth, wellbeing economy, foundational economy, doughnut economics, community wealth building) and their potential to tackle social and spatial forms of disadvantage.

Richard has undertaken a number of projects for the Joseph Rowntree Foundation and worked closely with combined authorities to understand how devolved institutions can address poverty and inequality at the city regional scale. He is currently part of a team looking at how ‘good work’ can be generated in the South Yorkshire economy as part of the Yorkshire and Humber Policy Engagement and Research Network (Y-PERN).

Richard alsohas expertise in policies and programmes to tackle worklessness and recently led a three year evaluation of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority’s Working Well Early Help Programme. This provided early intervention support to residents with health issues who were unemployed or on medical leave to return to work.

Research interests

  • inclusive and sustainable economies
  • alternative approaches to economic development
  • good work and its relationship to health and wellbeing
  • poverty and social or spatial inequalities
  • worklessness, welfare-to-work and welfare reform
  • urban regeneration and levelling up
  • sub-national governance and devolution

Research

  • Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research

2023-2026 Yorkshire and Humber Policy Engagement and Research Network (Y-PERN): good work, Research England. Role: Team member.

2023 Understanding the social, economic, environmental and democratic (SEED) domains of wellbeing, Carnegie UK. Role: Project Director.

2022 Bolsover Skills Audit, Bolsover District Council. Role: Team member.

2018-2022 Evaluation of the Working Well Early Help programme, Greater Manchester Combined Authority. Role: Director.

2022 Inclusion Plan Evidence Base, South Yorkshire Combined Authority. Role: Director.

2013-2019 Evaluation of the Talent Match programme to tackle youth unemployment, Big Lottery Fund. Role: Team member.

2014-2019 Evaluation of the West Yorkshire Finding Independence (WYFI) multiple and complex needs programme, DISC. Role: Project Manager.

2017 Tackling the transport-related barriers to work in low income neighbourhoods, Joseph Rowntree Foundation. Role: Director.

2016 Tackling poverty in city regions through housing and planning policy, Joseph Rowntree Foundation. Role: Director.

2016 Community-led approaches to tackling poverty in neighbourhoods, Joseph Rowntree Foundation. Role: Director.

2015 Developing a framework of indicators for measuring inclusive growth, Joseph Rowntree Foundation. Role: Director.

2013-2014 The impact of regeneration on poverty - evidence and policy review, Joseph Rowntree Foundation. Role: Director.

Publications

Crisp, R., Gore, T., & Pearson, S. (2015). Rethinking the impact of regeneration on poverty: a (partial) defence of a 'failed' policy. Journal of Poverty and Social Justice, 23 (3), 167-187. http://doi.org/10.1332/175982715X14443317211905

Crisp, R., Eadson, W., Cole, I., Dayson, C., Escott, K., Fothergill, S., ... Robinson, D. (2015). Election commentaries. People, Place and Policy, 9 (1), 65-89. http://doi.org/10.3351/ppp.0009.0001.0005

Crisp, R. (2013). ‘Communities with oomph’? Exploring the potential for stronger social ties to revitalise disadvantaged neighbourhoods. Environment and Planning C: Government and Policy, 31 (2), 324-339. http://doi.org/10.1068/c11122

Crisp, R. (2012). Conceptualising local approaches to tackling worklessness through neoliberal frameworks : the New Deal for Communities Programme as classic 'flanking strategy'. Space and Polity, 16 (2), 233-251. http://doi.org/10.1080/13562576.2012.725583

Purdam, K., & Crisp, R. (2009). Measuring the impact of community engagement on policy making in the UK: a local case study. Journal of Civil Society, 5 (2), 169-186. http://doi.org/10.1080/17448680903162710

Book chapters

Lupton, R., & Crisp, R. (2018). Regeneration redux? What (if anything) can we learn from New Labour? In Needham, C., Heins, E., & Rees, J. (Eds.) Analysis and debate in social policy. (pp. 209-228). Bristol: Policy Press: http://doi.org/10.2307/j.ctv3hh50d

Crisp, R., & Powell, R. (2017). Youth unemployment, interdependence and power: tensions and resistance within an alternative, 'co-produced' employment programme. In Bevir, M., McKee, K., & Matthews, P. (Eds.) Decentring urban governance: Narratives, resistance and contestation. (pp. 38-64). Abingdon: Routledge: https://www.routledge.com/Decentring-Urban-Governance-Narratives-Resistance-and-Contestation/Bevir-McKee-Matthews/p/book/9781138229372

Reports

Crisp, R., Dallas, E., Fowler-Davis, S., Davies, M., Dobson, J., Hamer, R., ... Szydlowska, A. (2023). Understanding the SEED Domains: A scoping review of social, economic, environmental and democratic wellbeing. Sheffield Hallam University, Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/understanding-the-seed-domains-a-scoping-review

Crisp, R., Leather, D., Mcmullan, J., Pearson, S., & Wilson, I. (2023). Review of neighbourhood regeneration. Sheffield Hallam University, Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research. http://doi.org/10.7190/cresr.2023.6940123501

Crisp, R., Leather, D., Mcmullan, J., Pearson, S., & Wilson, I. (2023). A return to neighbourhood regeneration? Reassessing the benefits of a national strategy for neighbourhood renewal. Sheffield Hallam University, Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research. http://doi.org/10.7190/cresr.2023.8346046274

Crisp, R. (2023). Working Well Early Help: what did it achieve? Sheffield: Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research, Sheffield Hallam University. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/working-well-early-help-what-did-it-achieve

Beatty, C., Crisp, R., Ferrari, E., Gore, T., & Mcmullan, J. (2023). Inclusion Plan Evidence Base. Sheffield: Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research, Sheffield Hallam University. http://doi.org/10.7190/cresr.2023.9411194730

Batty, E., Crisp, R., Gilbertson, J., Martin, P., Pardoe, J., Parkes, S., ... Wilson, I. (2022). Working well early help: final annual report 2022. Sheffield Hallam University, Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research. http://doi.org/10.7190/cresr.2022.6213791987

Crisp, R., & Sanderson, E. (2022). Bolsover skills audit. Sheffield Hallam University, Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research. http://doi.org/10.7190/cresr.2022.3958799715

Batty, E., Crisp, R., Gilbertson, J., Martin, P., Pardoe, J., Parkes, S., ... Wilson, I. (2021). Working well early help annual report 2021. Sheffield Hallam University, Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research. http://doi.org/10.7190/cresr.2021.1032611143

Wilson, I., & Crisp, R. (2021). West Yorkshire finding independence: an impact and value for money assessment. Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research, Sheffield Hallam University. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/west-yorkshire-finding-independence-an-impact-and-value-for-money-assessment

Crisp, R., Gilbertson, J., Sanderson, E., & Woodward, A. (2021). Just in Time Evaluation Report. Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research, Sheffield Hallam University. http://doi.org/10.7190/cresr.2021.8979011579

Beatty, C., Crisp, R., & Gore, T. (2020). Co-design in the WorkingWin programme: good practice and learning. Sheffield Hallam University, Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research. http://doi.org/10.7190/cresr.2020.8326265687

Crisp, R., & Waite, D. (2020). Inclusive growth under a COVID-19 recovery. Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research, Sheffield Hallam University. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/inclusive-growth-under-a-covid-19-recovery

Batty, E., Ceolta-Smith, J., Crisp, R., Gilbertson, J., Martin, P., Parkes, S., ... Scullion, L. (2020). Working Well Early Help: annual report 2020. Sheffield Hallam University, Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research. http://doi.org/10.7190/cresr.2021.4065181353

Crisp, R., Fletcher, D., Parr, S., & Wilson, I. (2020). West-Yorkshire Finding Independence (WY-FI): Effectiveness, outcomes and impact - Final evaluation report 2020. Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research, Sheffield Hallam University. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/west-yorkshire-finding-independence-wy-fi-effectiveness-outcomes-and-impact---final-evaluation

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., Fothergill, S., Gore, T., & Wells, P. (2019). Strong economies, better places. London: Labour. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/strong-economies-better-places

Crisp, R., Damm, C., Green, A., Pearson, S., Sanderson, E., & Wells, P. (2018). Talent Match Evaluation: Progression to Employment. Sheffield: Sheffield Hallam University. http://doi.org/10.7190/cresr.2018.3322694645

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.

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

Crisp, R., Cole, I., Eadson, W., Ferrari, E., Powell, R., & While, A. (2017). Tackling poverty through housing and planning policy in city regions. Joseph Rowntree Foundation. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/tackling-poverty-through-housing-and-planning-policy-in-city-regions

While, A., Gore, T., Eadson, W., & Crisp, R. (2016). Major development projects: connecting people in poverty to jobs. York: Joseph Rowntree Foundation. http://www.jrf.org.uk/

Rae, A., Hamilton, R., Crisp, R., & Powell, R. (2016). Overcoming deprivation and disconnection in UK cities. Joseph Rowntree Foundation. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/overcoming-deprivation-and-disconnection-in-uk-cities

Rae, A., Hamilton, R., Crisp, R., & Powell, R. (2016). Overcoming deprivation and disconnection in UK cities - summary. Joseph Rowntree Foundation. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/overcoming-deprivation-and-disconnection-in-uk-cities---summary

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

Crisp, R., Eadson, W., & While, A. (2016). Tackling poverty through housing and planning policy in city regions. Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research, Sheffield Hallam University. http://www4.shu.ac.uk/research/cresr/sites/shu.ac.uk/files/tackling-poverty-housing-planning-city-regions.pdf

Beatty, C., Crisp, R., & Gore, T. (2016). An inclusive growth monitor for measuring the relationship between poverty and growth. Sheffield: Joseph Rowntree Foundation. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/an-inclusive-growth-monitor-for-measuring-the-relationship-between-poverty-and-growth

Beatty, C., Gore, T., & Crisp, R. (2016). Inclusive growth monitor: Technical notes. Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research, Sheffield Hallam University. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/inclusive-growth-monitor-technical-notes

Batty, E., Crisp, R., Green, S., Platts-Fowler, D., & Robinson, D. (2016). Whole household key worker interventions: Learning from Sheffield. Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research, Sheffield Hallam University. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/whole-household-key-worker-interventions-learning-from-sheffield

Powell, R., Bashir, N., Crisp, R., & Parr, S. (2015). Talent Match Case Study Theme Report: Mental health and well-being. Sheffield Hallam University, Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/talent-match-case-study-theme-report-mental-health-and-well-being

Bashir, N., Crisp, R., Powell, R., & Atfield, G. (2014). Talent Match case study theme report : "A challenge to the status quo" : early experiences of involving young people in the Talent Match programme. Big Lottery Fund. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/talent-match-case-study-theme-report---a-challenge-to-the-status-quo-early-experiences

Crisp, R., Green, A., & Fletcher, D. (2014). Talent Match case study theme report: partnership working and development. Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research, Sheffield Hallam University. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/talent-match-case-study-theme-report-partnership-working-and-development

Crisp, R., Gore, T., & Pearson, S. (2014). Reducing poverty in the UK: a collection of evidence reviews. Joseph Rowntree Foundation. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/reducing-poverty-in-the-uk-a-collection-of-evidence-reviews

Crisp, R., Green, A., & Wells, P. (2014). Talent Match Evaluation and Learning Contract: 2013-19 - Partnerships and Service Delivery: an evidence review. Sheffield Hallam University, Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/talent-match-evaluation-and-learning-contract-2013-19---partnerships-and-service-delivery-an

Crisp, R., Gore, T., Pearson, S., Tyler, P., Clapham, D., Muir, J., & Robertson, D. (2014). Regeneration and poverty: evidence and policy review. Final report. Sheffield: Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research, Sheffield Hallam University. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/regeneration-and-poverty-evidence-and-policy-review

Bashir, N., Crisp, R., Dayson, C., & Gilbertson, J. (2013). Final evaluation of the Volunteering for Stronger Communities programme. Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research, Sheffield Hallam University. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/final-evaluation-of-the-volunteering-for-stronger-communities-programme

Bashir, N., Crisp, R., Dayson, C., & Gilbertson, J. (2013). Making a difference: good practice and learning from the Volunteering for Stronger Communities programme. Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research, Sheffield Hallam University. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/making-a-difference-good-practice-and-learning-from-the-volunteering-for-stronger-communities

Crisp, R., Gore, T., & Powell, R. (2012). Scoping Study on Worklessness & Employability. Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research, Sheffield Hallam University. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/scoping-study-on-worklessness-and-employability

Fletcher, D., Flint, J.F., Gore, T., Powell, R., Batty, E., & Crisp, R. (2012). Qualitative study of offender employment review: final report. Department for Work and Pensions. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/qualitative-study-of-offender-employment-review-final-report

Crisp, R., & Dayson, C. (2011). Delivering outcomes for the local voluntary and community sector : An evaluation of the value formoney of MVDA's Work. Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research, Sheffield Hallam University. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/delivering-outcomes-for-the-local-voluntary-and-community-sector

Wells, P., Dayson, C., Batty, E., Crisp, R., & Parr, S. (2011). Social Investment and its Impact: The Evaluation of Charity Bank in the North. Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research, Sheffield Hallam University. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/social-investment-and-its-impact-the-evaluation-of-charity-bank-in-the-north

Wells, P., Dayson, C., Batty, E., Crisp, R., & Parr, S. (2011). Social investment and its impact: the evaluation of charity bank in the north: executive summary. Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research, Sheffield Hallam University. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/social-investment-and-its-impact-the-evaluation-of-charity-bank-in-the-north-exec-summary

Bashir, N., Crisp, R., Gore, T., Reeve, K., & Robinson, D. (2011). Families and Work: Revisiting Barriers to Employment. Department for Work and Pensions. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/families-and-work-revisiting-barriers-to-employment

Crisp, R., Atkinson, M., McNeil, T., & Roberts, D. (2011). Tackling worklessness in Birmingham: Learning from the evaluation of the WNF Innovation Fund -a good practice guide for practitioners. Birmingham City Council. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/tackling-worklessness-in-birmingham-learning-from-the-evaluation-of-the-wnf-innovation-fund

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

Allmark, P., Salway, S., Crisp, R., & Barley, R. (2010). Ethnic minority customers of the Pensions, Disability and Carers Service: an evidence review. London: Department for Work and Pensions. http://campaigns.dwp.gov.uk/asd/asd5/rports2009-2010/rrep684.pdf

Tyler, P., Warnock, C., Provins, A., Wells, P., Brennan, A., Cole, I., ... Phang, Z. (2010). Valuing the Benefits of Regeneration: Economics paper 7 - Summary. Department for Communities and Local Government. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/valuing-the-benefits-of-regeneration-economics-paper-7---summary

Tyler, P., Warnock, C., Povins, A., Wells, P., Brennan, A., Cole, I., ... Phang, Z. (2010). Valuing the Benefits of Regeneration: Economics paper 7 - Volume I - Final Report. Department for Communities and Local Government. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/valuing-the-benefits-of-regeneration-economics-paper-7---volume-i---final-report

Tyler, P., Warnock, C., Provins, A., Wells, P., Brennan, A., Cole, I., ... Phang, Z. (2010). Valuing the Benefits of Regeneration: Economics paper 7 - Volume II - Logic chains and literature review. Department for Communities and Local Government. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/valuing-the-benefits-of-regeneration-economics-paper-7---volume-ii

Dayson, C., Pearson, S., Crisp, R., & Wilson, I. (2010). The experience of third sector subcontractors in the European Social Fund 2007-13 Programme. Third Sector European Network. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/the-experience-of-third-sector-subcontractors-in-the-european-social-fund-2007-13-programme

Roberts, D., McNeill, T., Wells, P., Crisp, R., & Gore, T. (2010). High level skills in Yorkshire and Humber - understanding the drivers of change: Summary. Ekogen. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/high-level-skills-in-yorkshire-and-humber---understanding-the-drivers-of-change-summary

Roberts, D., McNeill, T., Wells, P., Crisp, R., & Gore, T. (2010). High level skills in Yorkshire and the Humber: understanding the drivers of change - phase 2 realist synthesis. Ekogen. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/high-level-skills-in-yorkshire-and-the-humber-understanding-the-drivers-of-change---phase-2

Roberts, D., McNeill, T., Wells, P., Crisp, R., & Gore, T. (2010). High level skills in Yorkshire and Humber: Understanding the drivers of change - Phase 1 high level skills context. Ekogen. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/high-level-skills-in-yorkshire-and-humber-understanding-the-drivers-of-change---phase-1

Crisp, R., Gore, T., & Wells, P. (2009). Evidence review of the impact of the ESF on those furthest from the labour market 2007 - 2013. Third Sector European Network. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/evidence-review-of-the-impact-of-the-esf-on-those-furthest-from-the-labour-market-2007---2013

Beatty, C., Crisp, R., Foden, M., Lawless, P., & Wilson, I. (2009). Understanding and tackling worklessness volume 2: neighbourhood level problems, interventions, and outcomes: evidence from the New Deal for Communities Programme. Communities and Local Government Publications. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/understanding-and-tackling-worklessness-volume-2

Beatty, C., Foden, M., Wilson, I., Lawless, P., & Crisp, R. (2009). Understanding and tackling worklessness: lessons and policy implications: evidence from the New Deal for Communities Programme. Communities and Local Government Publications. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/understanding-and-tackling-worklessness-lessons-and-policy-implications

Crisp, R., Fothergill, S., Gore, T., & Platts-Fowler, D. (2009). Sheffield worklessness study : The characteristics, aspirations and skill needs of IncapacityBenefit claimants and Lone Parents on benefit. Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research, Sheffield Hallam University. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/sheffield-worklessness-study

Crisp, R., & Fletcher, D. (2008). A comparative review of workfare programmes in the United States, Canada and Australia. Department for Work and Pensions. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/a-comparative-review-of-workfare-programmes-in-the-united-states-canada-and-australia

Theses / Dissertations

Mcmullan, J. (2024). Understanding the Class Politics of Brexit in the Context of Urban Deindustrialisation. (Doctoral thesis). Supervised by Crisp, R. http://doi.org/10.7190/shu-thesis-00628

Povey, L. (2023). Governing marginalised women: Gendered dimensions of the ‘carceral-assistential net’. (Doctoral thesis). Supervised by Fletcher, D., Crisp, R., & Gore, T. http://doi.org/10.7190/shu-thesis-00584

Devany, C. (2021). Disengaged youth? Exploring the lives of ‘hidden NEETs’ outside the benefits system. (Doctoral thesis). Supervised by Crisp, R., & Gore, T. http://doi.org/10.7190/shu-thesis-00460

Preece, J. (2015). Residential mobility, work and belonging in low-income communities. (Doctoral thesis). Supervised by Hickman, P., & Crisp, R.

Presentations

Eadson, W., & Crisp, R. (2018). A done deal? Devolution in England and the struggle over alternative futures in housing and planning. Presented at: UK and Ireland Planning Research Conference, Sheffield, 2018

Postgraduate supervision

Richard would welcome discussion on supervising students around any of the following areas:

  • inclusive and sustainable economies including ‘alternative’ approaches to economic development
  • ‘good work’, worklessness and welfare-to-work programmes
  • place-based interventions targeted at social and economic inequalities

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