Jan Gilbertson

Jan Gilbertson is a Senior Research Fellow at Sheffield Hallam University's Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research, where she applies her MA in Social Science Research Methods to complex social policy issues. With extensive experience in collaborative and multi-disciplinary projects, she specializes in evaluating programs that address energy poverty, housing health impacts, and healthy ageing for vulnerable populations.

Her research interests span energy poverty and vulnerability, housing and health connections, healthy ageing frameworks, psychosocial determinants of health, and the health impacts of cold homes and fuel poverty on vulnerable groups. Gilbertson has developed significant expertise in examining how housing investment affects health outcomes and quality of life, along with the social costs and benefits of housing improvements and energy efficiency measures on vulnerable populations.

Analysis of her recent publications reveals a strong focus on community-based solutions to social problems, with particular attention to how neighborhood networks support healthy ageing, the resilience of community organizations during crises like the pandemic, and innovative approaches to addressing fuel poverty among people with disabilities. Her work consistently applies mixed-methods research approaches to evaluate complex social interventions.

Throughout her career, Gilbertson has managed numerous evaluative studies for diverse clients including United Utilities, the DWP, local authorities, the NHS, Foundations Independent Living Trust, Age UK, and the Centre for Ageing Better. Her methodological expertise includes in-depth semi-structured interviews, rapid evidence reviews, focus groups, workshops, observations, and participatory visual methodologies.

Her current research portfolio includes projects on person-centered integrated care supporting healthy ageing in place (UKRI-funded), national evaluation of home improvement services (Centre for Ageing Better), and intergenerational living initiatives (Levelling Up Challenge Fund), demonstrating her ongoing commitment to addressing pressing social issues through rigorous research.