Matthew Callender

Matthew Callender is Professor of Interdisciplinary Social Studies and Institute Director at the Institute for Public Safety, Crime & Justice (IPSCJ), University of Northampton. He also holds the position of Visiting Associate Professor at the University of Central Florida, United States, from 2021 to 2026. His leadership spans research, policy development, and national advisory roles in criminal justice, public safety, and youth engagement.

• PhD in Human Geography, University of Northampton (2012)
• MSc in Cultural Geography by Research, Coventry University
• BA(Hons) in Human Geography, Coventry University

His research interests are centered on life course transitions, health and justice, anti-social behaviour, organisational transformation, public safety, public health, and late modern theory. He specializes in qualitative methodologies that amplify the voices of marginalized and disadvantaged groups, particularly through participatory research. His work bridges academic inquiry with real-world policy, focusing on community-based justice interventions and youth empowerment.

The most recent 15 articles reflect a strong focus on serious violence prevention, community sentence treatment requirements, youth engagement in policing (e.g., mini-police, cadets), and multi-agency partnerships. These publications are predominantly evaluative reports and peer-reviewed articles that inform policy and practice across England, with a consistent emphasis on evidence-based, participatory, and locally grounded approaches to public safety.

Matthew has held significant advisory and governance roles, including:

• Academic Advisor, Volunteer Police Cadets National Programme Board (2019–present)
• Member, multiple Community Sentence Treatment Requirement Programme Boards (Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Staffordshire, Swansea)
• Former Member, Northamptonshire Mental Health Criminal Justice Board (2018–2020)

He has secured and led numerous research grants, primarily through contract research with non-commercial and local government partners, focusing on evaluations of public safety initiatives, health-in-justice services, and youth volunteering. His projects are characterized by strong community engagement, policy impact, and knowledge exchange with police forces and criminal justice agencies across the UK and internationally.

Matthew leads the IPSCJ’s Citizens in Policing portfolio and is actively involved in shaping the strategic direction of community-based justice programmes. He collaborates extensively with researchers such as Dr. Karen Cahalin, Dr. Debra Ryan, and Dr. Ian Britton, and frequently presents findings at high-level forums including Police Scotland, Stockholm Criminology Symposium, and international police workshops in the Netherlands and Canada.