Ellen Bennett BA (Hons), MA, PhD
Senior Lecturer
Summary
Dr Ellen Bennett is a Senior Lecturer within Sheffield Business School, having previously worked as a Ï㽶ÊÓƵ Fellow in the Centre for Regional Economic and Social Ï㽶ÊÓƵ (CRESR) here at Ï㽶ÊÓƵ. Before joining Ï㽶ÊÓƵ in 2008, Ellen worked in a variety of roles within the Voluntary Sector across Merseyside and Greater Manchester. Ellen’s research expertise includes examining the role of voluntary organisations within society over time, and she is currently involved in research across several professional contexts, ranging from small voluntary organisations through to complex multi-sector partnerships.
About
Ellen has extensive experience in a range of qualitative research techniques – case study research, in-depth interviews, focus groups, documentary analysis and language analysis. Ellen has expertise in coproduction and inclusive research methods which allow participants greater autonomy over the research process and has extensive experience of designing research alongside volunteers and organisational participants as part of the research process. In recent research projects, Ellen has engaged with creative research methods, such as free drawing and photo voice, in order to explore more inclusive research practices.
Ellen teaches research and inquiry approaches across taught programmes at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Ellen leads a number postgraduate modules, as well as supporting students as an Academic Advisor and Workplace Mentor. Ellen is the Postgraduate Ï㽶ÊÓƵ Tutor for Sheffield Business School.
Ellen is a Trustee of the Voluntary Sector Studies Network, which is an international association of academic and practice-based research into the voluntary sector and volunteering.
Ï㽶ÊÓƵ interests
- Voluntary organisations
- Voluntary sector policy
- Public services and public service reform
- State-voluntary sector relations
- Voluntary organisations and identity
- Systems change
- Qualitative data collection and analysis
- In-depth interviewing, both face-to-face and telephone
- Focus groups
- Discursive documentary analysis.
Ï㽶ÊÓƵ
Ellen is currently Co-Investigator on a three-year £2.1m project on creative health and community assets funded through UK Ï㽶ÊÓƵ and Innovation’s (UKRI) as part of their .
Ellen is also leading a research partnership with , which is supporting evaluation and research capacity development.
Publications
Journal articles
Glentworth, J., Hawkins, A., Bennett, E., Webb, S., & Hammond, C. (2024). . People, Place and Policy, 18 (2), 69-81.
Bennett, E., Dayson, C., Rees, J., Patmore, B., & Damm, C. (2023). . Human service organizations, management, leadership & governance.
Dayson, C., Bennett, E., Damm, C., Rees, J., Jacklin-Jarvis, C., Patmore, B., ... Turner, K. (2022). . Journal of Social Policy.
Dayson, C., Painter, J., & Bennett, E. (2020). . Journal of Public Mental Health: the art, science and politics of creating a mentally healthy society.
Bennett, E., Coule, T., Damm, C., Dayson, C., Dean, J., & Macmillan, R. (2019). . Voluntary sector review, 10 (2), 213-223.
Dickinson, J., Bennett, E., & Marson, J. (2019). Journal of place management and development, 12 (1), 121-138.
Bennett, E., Eadson, W., & Dickinson, J. (2018). . People, Place and Policy Online, 12 (2), 56-57.
Coule, T., & Bennett, E. (2018). Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector Quarterly, 47 (4), 139s-158s.
Coule, T.M., & Bennett, E. (2016). . Public Administration, 94 (4), 1059-1076.
Book chapters
Bennett, E., & Patmore, B. (2024). . In Mirabella, R.M., Coule, T.M., & Eikenberry, A.M. (Eds.) Handbook of Critical Perspectives on Nonprofit Organizing and Voluntary Action. (pp. 70-84). Edward Elgar Publishing:
Bennett, E. (2022). Peer research. In Ï㽶ÊÓƵing Voluntary Action. (pp. 46-58). Policy Press:
Reports
Dayson, C., Harris, C., Bashir, N., Bennett, E., & Woodward, A. (2022). . Ï㽶ÊÓƵ, Centre for Regional Economic and Social Ï㽶ÊÓƵ. /centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/evaluation-of-age-better-in-sheffield-the-impact-on-social-isolation-and-loneliness-2015-21
Dayson, C., Baker, L., Rees, J., Bennett, E., Patmore, B., Turner, K., ... Terry, V. (2021). . Lloyds Bank Foundation: England and Wales. /centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/the-value-of-small-in-a-big-crisis-summary
Dayson, C., Baker, L., Rees, J., Bennett, E., Patmore, B., Turner, K., ... Terry, V. (2021). . Ï㽶ÊÓƵ, Centre for Regional Economic and Social Ï㽶ÊÓƵ. /centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/the-value-of-small-in-a-big-crisis
Dayson, C., Pearson, S., & Bennett, E. (2020). . Centre for Regional Economic and Social Ï㽶ÊÓƵ, Ï㽶ÊÓƵ. /centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/evaluation-of-the-early-action-neighbourhood-fund-learning-summary-evaluating-complex-systems
Bennett, E., Dayson, C., & Pearson, S. (2020). . Centre for Regional Economic and Social Ï㽶ÊÓƵ, Ï㽶ÊÓƵ. /centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/early-action-neighbourhood-fund-evaluation-report
Dayson, C., Pearson, S., & Bennett, E. (2020). Evaluation of the Early Action Neighbourhood Fund: Learning Summary - Evaluating Complex Systems Change Projects. h126:%20Early%20Action%20Neighbourhood%20Fund%20Evaluation%20and%20Learning%20Contract
Pearson, S., Dayson, C., & Bennett, E. (2020). . Centre for Regional Economic and Social Ï㽶ÊÓƵ, Ï㽶ÊÓƵ. /centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/early-action-neighbourhood-fund-evaluation-learning-summary-the-eanf-journey
Batty, E., Bennett, E., Devany, C., Harris, C., Pearson, S., & Woodward, A. (2020). . Sheffield: Centre for Regional Economic and Social Ï㽶ÊÓƵ, Ï㽶ÊÓƵ.
Pearson, S., Dayson, C., & Bennett, E. (2020). . Centre for Regional Economic and Social Ï㽶ÊÓƵ, Ï㽶ÊÓƵ. /centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/evaluation-of-the-early-action-neighbourhood-fund-learning-summary-funders-briefing
Dayson, C., Pearson, S., & Bennett, E. (2019). . Centre for Regional Economic and Social Ï㽶ÊÓƵ, Ï㽶ÊÓƵ. /centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/evaluation-of-the-early-action-neighbourhood-fund-learning-summary-1---data-evidence-and-impact
Dayson, C., Bennett, E., & Bashir, N. (2019). . Ï㽶ÊÓƵ, Centre for Regional Economic and Social Ï㽶ÊÓƵ. /centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/evaluation-of-age-better-in-sheffield---co-production-learning-report-1
Coule, T., Patmore, B., & Bennett, E. (2018). . Sheffield: Ï㽶ÊÓƵ. /centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/the-value-of-small-in-depth-research-into-the-distinctive-contribution-value-and-experiences-salford
Bennett, E., & Batty, E. (2018). . Sheffield: Ï㽶ÊÓƵ. /centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/the-value-of-small-in-depth-research-into-the-distinctive-contribution-value-wrexham
Babu, M., Bashir, N., Bennett, E., Darwin, M., Porter, J., Wood, S., ... Needham, R. (2018). . Ï㽶ÊÓƵ, Centre for Regional Economic and Social Ï㽶ÊÓƵ. /centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/evaluation-of-age-better-in-sheffield----third-annual-report-peer-research
Dayson, C., Pearson, S., & Bennett, E. (2018). . CRESR, Ï㽶ÊÓƵ. /centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/evaluation-of-the-early-action-neighbourhood-fund-learning-update-1---revisiting-the-programme
Dayson, C., Baker, L., Rees, J., Batty, E., Bennett, E., Damm, C., ... Terry, V. (2018). . Sheffield: Ï㽶ÊÓƵ. /centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/the-value-of-small-in-depth-research-into-the-distinctive-contribution-value-and-experiences
Dayson, C., Baker, L., Rees, J., Batty, E., Bennett, E., Damm, C., ... Terry, V. (2018). . Sheffield: Ï㽶ÊÓƵ. /centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/the-value-of-small-in-depth-research-into-the-distinctive-contribution--summary
Bennett, E., Dayson, C., & Pearson, S. (2017). . Centre for Regional Economic and Social Ï㽶ÊÓƵ, Ï㽶ÊÓƵ. /centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/early-action-neighbourhood-fund-learning-and-evaluation-year-two-programme-report
Bennett, E., & Eadson, W. (2017). . Sheffield: Centre for Regional Economic and Social Ï㽶ÊÓƵ, Ï㽶ÊÓƵ. /centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/private-voluntary-and-public-sector-partnership-for-outdoor-space-provision-policy-lessons
Dayson, C., & Bennett, E. (2017). . Sheffield: Centre for Regional Economic and Social Ï㽶ÊÓƵ, Ï㽶ÊÓƵ. /centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/evaluation-of-the-rotherham-mental-health-social-prescribing-service-2015-16-2016-17
Dayson, C., & Bennett, E. (2016). . Sheffield: Ï㽶ÊÓƵ. /centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/evaluation-of-doncaster-social-prescribing-service-understanding-outcomes-and-impact
Bennett, E., Dayson, C., Eadson, W., Gilbertson, J., & Tod, A. (2016). . Sheffield: Centre for Regional Economic and Social Ï㽶ÊÓƵ, Ï㽶ÊÓƵ. /centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/warm-safe-and-well-the-evaluation-of-the-warm-at-home-programme
Dayson, C., Bennett, E., Bashir, N., & Pattison, B. (2016). . Ï㽶ÊÓƵ, Centre for Regional Economic and Social Ï㽶ÊÓƵ. /centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/evaluation-of-age-better-in-sheffield---first-annual-report-an-emerging-baseline
Bennett, E., Dayson, C., Eadson, W., Gilbertson, J., & Tod, A. (2016). . Centre for Regional Economic and Social Ï㽶ÊÓƵ, Ï㽶ÊÓƵ. /centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/warm-safe-and-well-the-evaluation-of-the-warm-at-home-programme---summary-report
Dayson, C., & Bennett, E. (2016). . Centre for Regional Economic and Social Ï㽶ÊÓƵ, Ï㽶ÊÓƵ. /centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/key-findings-from-the-evaluation-of-the-rotherham-mental-health-social-prescribing-pilot
Dayson, C., & Bennett, E. (2016). . Centre for Regional Economic and Social Ï㽶ÊÓƵ, Ï㽶ÊÓƵ. /centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/evaluation-of-the-rotherham-mental-health-social-prescribing-pilot
Dayson, C., & Bennett, E. (2016). . Centre for Regional Economic and Social Ï㽶ÊÓƵ, Ï㽶ÊÓƵ. /centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/evaluation-of-the-rotherham-carers-resilience-service-final-report
Bennett, E., Dayson, C., Eadson, W., & Foden, M. (2016). . Ï㽶ÊÓƵ, Centre for Regional Economic and Social Ï㽶ÊÓƵ.
Bennett, E., Damm, C., Dayson, C., Pearson, S., & Wells, P. (2016). . Centre for Regional Economic and Social Ï㽶ÊÓƵ, Ï㽶ÊÓƵ. /centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/eanf-learning-report-1-evidence-and-data
Bennett, E., Damm, C., Dayson, C., Pearson, S., & Wells, P. (2016). . Sheffield: Centre for Regional Economic and Social Ï㽶ÊÓƵ, Ï㽶ÊÓƵ. /centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/early-action-neighbourhood-fund-learning-and-evaluation---year-one-programme-report
Bennett, E., Damm, C., Dayson, C., Pearson, S., & Wells, P. (2016). . Sheffield: Centre for Regional Economic and Social Ï㽶ÊÓƵ, Ï㽶ÊÓƵ. /centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/eanf-learning-report-2-building-alliances
Dayson, C., Bashir, N., Bennett, E., & Sanderson, E. (2016). . Sheffield: Ï㽶ÊÓƵ. /centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/the-rotherham-social-prescribing-service-for-people-with-long-term-health-conditions-annual-report
Dayson, C., Bashir, N., Bennett, E., & Sanderson, E. (2016). . Sheffield: Ï㽶ÊÓƵ. /centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/the-rotherham-social-prescribing-service-for-people-with-long-term-health-conditions-summary-report
Hickman, P., Dayson, C., Ambrose, A., Batty, E., Bennett, E., Flint, J., ... Muir, J. (2015). . Ï㽶ÊÓƵ, Centre for Regional Economic and Social Ï㽶ÊÓƵ. /centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/summary-of-key-findings
Dayson, C., Hickman, P., Ambrose, A., Batty, E., Bennett, E., & Muir, J. (2015). . Ï㽶ÊÓƵ, Centre for Regional Economic and Social Ï㽶ÊÓƵ. /centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/understanding-the-economic-contribution-of-the-social-economy-at-a-neighbourhood-level-final-report
Pearson, S., Bennett, E., Batty, E., & Green, S. (2015). . Ï㽶ÊÓƵ, Centre for Regional Economic and Social Ï㽶ÊÓƵ. /centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/evaluation-of-the-doncaster-community-fund-prospectus-final-report
Bashir, N., Bennett, E., Dayson, C., Eadson, W., & Sanderson, E. (2015). . Ï㽶ÊÓƵ, Centre for Regional Economic and Social Ï㽶ÊÓƵ. /centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/evaluation-of-heritage-lottery-funds-first-world-war-centenary-activity-year-1-report
Bashir, N., Bennett, E., Dayson, C., Eadson, W., & Sanderson, E. (2015). . Centre for Regional Economic and Social Ï㽶ÊÓƵ, Ï㽶ÊÓƵ. /centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/evaluation-of-heritage-lottery-funds-first-world-war-centenary-activity-year-1-report---summary
Theses / Dissertations
Matzdorf, F. (2025). . (Doctoral thesis). Supervised by Bennett, E.
Matzdorf, F. (2025). . (Doctoral thesis). Supervised by Bennett, E.
Odendaal, L. (2024). . (Doctoral thesis). Supervised by Snook, J., Bennett, E., & Taylor, C.
Odendaal, L. (2024). . (Doctoral thesis). Supervised by Snook, J., Bennett, E., & Taylor, C.
Soutar, J. (2024). . (Doctoral thesis). Supervised by Dayson, C., Bennett, E., & Wells, P.
Soutar, J. (2024). . (Doctoral thesis). Supervised by Dayson, C., Bennett, E., & Wells, P.
Watts, J. (2022). . (Doctoral thesis). Supervised by Bennett, E., Bennett, A., & Patmore, B.
Watts, J. (2022). . (Doctoral thesis). Supervised by Bennett, E., Bennett, A., & Patmore, B.
Presentations
Bennett, E., Dayson, C., & Patmore, B. (2018). The distinctiveness of small NPOs working within communities experiencing multiple disadvantage: revisiting the theory of comparative advantage. Presented at: Association for Ï㽶ÊÓƵ on Nonprofit Organizations and Voluntary Action (ARNOVA) Conference, Austin, Texas, USA, 2018
Coule, T., Bennett, E., & Patmore, B. (2017). Bridging the Logic Divide in Public Service Delivery? The Case of Place-Based Early Action Interventions in the UK. Presented at: ARNOVA Conference 2017, Grand Rapids, Michigan
Postgraduate supervision
Ellen supervises a number of PhD projects, all of which consider the role of voluntary sector organisations.
Current projects which Ellen supervises include:
- Why do charities invest for income rather than mission?
- The role of voluntary sector infrastructure.
- The role of social enterprise in Nigeria.
If you are interested in undertaking a PhD within the field of voluntary sector/nonprofit studies, please get in touch with Ellen to discuss your ideas.