Current SPIU Work
Refugees’ Views and Experiences of Poverty
Destitution amongst asylum seekers in the UK has received a reasonable amount of attention in recent years. However, there is currently very limited evidence or knowledge in relation to poverty concerning the experiences or needs of refugees (defined as those granted leave to remain in the UK), who are living in Scotland. Much of what is known has been deduced from the large body of research which exists on asylum seekers. To increase our understanding of issues of poverty for refugees living in Glasgow we are conducting research with refugees. This work has been commissioned by the Scottish Refugee Council. The work will be completed in July 2010. For more information please contact Kate.Lindsay@gcu.ac.uk
Living with the Credit Crunch: Financial Well-Being of Veterans in Scotland in 2009
This three month study aims to collect baseline information on the current financial situation/well-being of veterans in Scotland. The work is funded by through the Scottish Veterans’ Fund, administered by the Scottish Government and comprises a survey (which can be completed online). Veterans are being approached through member organisations. Contact Kate Lindsay for more information. Kate.Lindsay@gcu.ac.uk
Deprivation Idyll: Recollections of Growing Up in Scotland by Professional Football Players
This three month study aims to examines the significance of the portrayal in football autobiographies of deprived neighbourhoods as positive nurturing environments for children and young people. The work is funded by the Carnegie Trust for the Universities of Scotland and involves a review of over 50 autobiographies. Contact John McKendrick for more information. J.McKendrick@gcu.ac.uk
Economics for Equality
The 'Economics for Equality' programme is targeted at two principal groups: policy makers (women and men) and activists (women). It aims to build the knowledge of participants in critical and mainstream economic theory and to allow them to develop skills in the use of practical economic analytical tools to support them to engage more effectively in public policy debates at local and national levels.
The programme assists participants in the development of an alternative critique of economic thinking in policy making; it supports policy makers in developing ways to make better gender-aware policy for the benefit of women in particular, but also for the benefit of society in general; and it helps activists to identify, assess and critique existing and planned policies in more informed ways. Contact Morag Gillespie for more information. Morag.Gillespie@gcu.ac.uk
Evaluation of Money Advice Service
(Argyll and Bute Council - July to November 2009) This two stage evaluation includes key informant interviews with external stakeholders and staff and interviews with service users. Contact Morag Gillespie for more information. Morag.Gillespie@gcu.ac.uk
Fair Pay Project
(Unison, 2009-10) As part of the union's activities with low paid women workers in the Fair Pay project, SPIU is to provide support for the project with development and adoption of a research methodology, data gathering and analysis, including training activists as peer researchers, analysis and report of survey findings and dissemination of results. Contact Morag Gillespie for more information. Morag.Gillespie@gcu.ac.uk