Dr Richard Brunner

Since August 2023, I have worked for IMPACT on 12-month fixed-term contracts in the Faculty of Social Sciences. IMPACT is an ESRC/Health Foundation-funded social care implementation project, led from University of Birmingham. Up to Aug 2024, with Rhiann McLean, I supported social care stakeholders with using evidence to improve the wellbeing of Personal Assistants for disabled people. I now work with Jen Wallace on an IMPACT project on perceptions of social care. I am also part-time Research Fellow at the Centre for Disability Research, University of Glasgow. Here, I conduct research with Glasgow Disability Alliance on 'Future Visions for Social Care'. Prior to these, I researched disabled peoples' experiences in England and Scotland during Covid-19 (University of Glasgow/LSHTM). My Ph.D. in Sociology (University of Glasgow, 2011-2015) explored what people are able to do and be after being in psychiatric hospital using qualitative methods and the capabilities approach. From 2015-2019 I was Research Associate with What Works Scotland also at University of Glasgow, facilitating Collaborative Action Research with public services. My previous career included work with homeless people, mental health advocacy, community development, and policy work in the statutory and third sectors with a focus on equality and diversity. I have written, published, collaboratively produced, and disseminated widely from my research, seeking conceptual and empirical impact in academic, policy, practice and social contexts. I have an MSc. in Social Policy (LSE, 2002), an MSc. in Social Research (GCU, 2010), and a degree in Sociology from the University of East London (1989).

I have conducted extensive qualitative social scientific research, including action research approaches, with a wide range of marginalised groups and also with professionals. My ongoing research seeks to understand the experiences and inequalities of disabled people and other easy-to-ignore groups, using sociological concepts. I have an increasing body of research focused on social care. I seek to use these empirical and conceptual understandings to empower marginalised groups, challenge oppression, influence public policy, and improve social justice outcomes. I also have an ongoing interest in the role of public services in improving outcomes for marginalised groups and individuals. I have an ongoing interest in applications of the capabilities approach to frame how we understand human outcomes. A lot of my research has been interdisciplinary and collaborative.