Vicky Heap

Dr. Vicky Heap is a Professor and Reader in Criminology at the Sheffield Institute of Law and Justice within Sheffield Hallam University's College of Social Sciences and Arts. She holds roles as an Academic Advisor, Dissertation Supervisor, and PhD Supervisor. Her research critically examines anti-social behavior policy from victims', perpetrators', and practitioners' perspectives, focusing on homelessness, community protection notices, and public spaces regulation.

Dr. Heap joined Sheffield Hallam in 2012 after completing a PhD at the University of Huddersfield (2010) and holding a Community Safety Officer role in Harrogate (2005–2007). Her education includes a BSc (Hons) in Sports Science and Social Science (Loughborough University), MSc in Criminology and Criminal Justice (Loughborough, distinction), and a PgCert in teaching.

Research Interests:

• Anti-social behavior policy effectiveness
• Homelessness and policy interventions
• Community Protection Notices and public safety
• Victim-perpetrator-practitioner perspectives in criminology

Grants & Projects:

• Funded by Oak Foundation: Study on anti-social behavior tools' impact on homeless populations
• British Academy/Leverhulme Trust project: Analysis of Community Protection Notices
• Helena Kennedy Centre-supported research on recipients' experiences of Community Protection Notices

Achievements:

• Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (SFHEA)
• Trustee of ASB Help charity
• Executive Committee Member, British Society of Criminology
• Editorial Advisory Board Member, Safer Communities

Teaching:

Leads modules in Criminology programs (BA, BSc, MSc), including 'DeConstructing Research,' 'Social Research Methods,' and dissertation supervision. Known for integrating cutting-edge criminological debates into teaching.

Professional Activities:

• Member of the Howard League for Penal Reform
• External Examiner for Criminology at the University of Derby
• Conference Committee Chair for the British Society of Criminology