David Haigh

Dr David Haigh is Head of Subject for Planning, Housing, and Human Geography at Leeds Beckett University, within the School of Built Environment, Engineering and Computing. He has over 20 years of professional and academic experience in housing, community economics, and urban regeneration, and has been at the university for over 13 years.

His teaching includes modules on urban policy, housing, local economic development, social enterprise, and research methods. He also serves as a franchise course leader and link tutor with the Asian Institute for the Built Environment in Hong Kong, and is an external examiner at London South Bank University and De Montfort University.

David's research focuses on social enterprise networks, community economic development, and urban policy evaluation. He is actively involved in the Just Places Research Cluster and the Women and Built Space Cluster, exploring trust in social enterprises, alternative economic spaces, and gendered interactions with the built environment.

His research integrates both qualitative and quantitative methods, aiming to assess long-term urban policies and the role of social enterprise in generating social capital in deprived areas. Although no specific publications or awards are listed, his work emphasizes collaborative research, student development, and creating inclusive, progressive academic environments.

He is committed to fostering student success, delivering engaging teaching, and supporting team development. His professional impact is characterized by a professional yet empathetic approach that builds student confidence and inspiration.

• External Examiner – London South Bank University
• External Examiner – De Montfort University
• Franchise Course Leader – Asian Institute for the Built Environment, Hong Kong