Case studies

Bringing robust new evidence of the prevalence and mental health consequencesof ethnic and racial harassment

For the past decade, a multidisciplinary team of researchers led by Dr Alita Nandi have brought new evidence to bear on the debate around the causes, correlates and consequences of ethnic and racial harassment (ERH) and hate crime. The reality for those who experience harassment is a serious issue – not least because the absence of discrimination and harassment is a central marker of a civilised society.

Free childcare and child development: the free childcare policy in England

In 2012 the UK government was spending around £1.9 billion on free early education and childcare places for 3- and 4-year-olds. This figure is set to be around £3.55 billion in 2021-22.

Disability benefits and social care for older people

Our research informed the government’s decision to abandon a policy proposal to reduce disability benefits for over 2.44 million older people. The research highlighted a flaw in income analysis used by the government, which suggested that disability benefits often go to older people without substantial financial needs.

Influencing the policy debate on free school meal provision

From September 2014, all children in state-funded English infant schools (comprising Reception, Year 1 and Year 2) have been eligible to receive a free school meal under the Universal Infant Free School Meals (UIFSM) policy.