Dr Richard Brunner

Since Aug 2023, I have worked part-time for IMPACT, in the Faculty of Social Sciences. IMPACT is an ESRC/Health Foundation-funded social care implementation project, led from University of Birmingham. From Aug 2023 to Aug 2024, with Rhiann McLean, I supported social care stakeholders with using evidence to improve the wellbeing of Personal Assistants for disabled people. From Aug 2024 to Aug 2025, with Jen Wallace, I am collaborating with social care organisations on an IMPACT project on changing public perceptions of social care in Scotland. I am also part-time Research Fellow at the Centre for Disability Research, University of Glasgow. Here, I conduct research with Glasgow Disability Alliance on 'Future Visions for Social Care': https://www.gla.ac.uk/research/az/centrefordisabilityresearch/work/collaborationwithglasgowdisabilityalliance/. Prior to these, I researched disabled peoples' experiences in England and Scotland during Covid-19 (University of Glasgow/LSHTM). My Ph.D. in Sociology (University of Glasgow, 2011-15) explored what people are able to do and be after being in psychiatric hospital using qualitative methods and the capabilities approach. From 2015-19 I was Research Associate with What Works Scotland, facilitating Collaborative Action Research with public services. I have written, published, collaboratively produced, and disseminated widely from my research, seeking conceptual and empirical impact in academic, policy, practice and social contexts, with over 60 publications of different types. Find them here: https://www.gla.ac.uk/schools/socialpolitical/staff/richardbrunner/#publications.

I have conducted extensive qualitative social scientific research, including action research approaches, with a wide range of marginalised groups and also with professionals. My ongoing research seeks to understand the experiences and inequalities of disabled people and other easy-to-ignore groups, using sociological concepts. I have an increasing body of research focused on social care. I seek to use these empirical and conceptual understandings to empower marginalised groups, challenge oppression, influence public policy, and improve social justice outcomes. I also have an ongoing interest in the role of public services in improving outcomes for marginalised groups and individuals. I have an ongoing interest in applications of the capabilities approach to frame how we improve social justice outcomes.