Chris Devany

Chris Devany is a Research Fellow at the Department of Law and Criminology, Sheffield Hallam University, funded by the Oak Foundation. His research focuses on social policy interventions affecting marginalized groups, particularly homeless populations. He holds a PhD (finalized at the Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research) and previously worked as a Sociology Lecturer and in philanthropy. He won the 'Doctoral Researcher of the Year' award in 2018.

Education:

• BA (Hons)
• PGDip
• PhD (finalizing at Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research)

His research interests include drug policy, welfare reform, policing strategies impacting homelessness, and qualitative methods for studying vulnerable groups. Recent work examines Public Spaces Protection Orders and their effects on street homeless individuals. He has collaborated with organizations like Groundwork and Camerados, evaluating programs addressing social exclusion.

Grants & Projects:

• Oak Foundation-funded project on anti-social behaviour tools and homelessness
• Helena Kennedy Centre for International Justice collaborations

Labs/Teams: Affiliated with the Helena Kennedy Centre for International Justice and Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research.