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
Journal articles
Crisp, R., Waite, D., Green, A., Hughes, C., Lupton, R., MacKinnon, D., & Pike, A. (2023). ‘Beyond GDP’ in cities: Assessing alternative approaches to urban economic development. Urban Studies. http://doi.org/10.1177/00420980231187884
Crisp, R., & Waite, D. (2022). Building Back Better in urban contexts through a dual ethics of justice and care. Urban Geography. http://doi.org/10.1080/02723638.2022.2142402
Crisp, R., & Powell, R. (2017). Young people and UK labour market policy : a critique of "employability" as a tool for understanding youth unemployment. Urban Studies, 54 (8), 1784-1807. http://doi.org/10.1177/0042098016637567
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. (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
Crisp, R., Batty, E., Gilbertson, J., Martin, P., Pardoe, J., Parkes, S., ... Wilson, I. (2022). Working Well Early Help: Final Annual Report 2022. 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
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