Professor Peter Wells BA (Hons), MA, PhD
Professor of Public Policy Analysis and Evaluation
Summary
Peter Wells is Professor of Public Policy Analysis and Evaluation. He has led over 50 research and evaluation projects and is author to over 100 research reports and other publications. He is a non-executive director of Sonnet Impact and Advisory CIC, an associate company of Sheffield Hallam University. He is based in both the Department for Natural and Built Environment and the Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research.
About
He directed the evaluation and learning contract of Talent Match for the Big Lottery Fund from 2014-2020 and is currently leading a study (Our Bigger Story) for Local Trust into its flagship Big Local programme. He is a co-investigator on innovative Research England funded project, the Yorkshire Policy Engagement Research Network. He was a member of the evaluation team of New Deal for Communities coordinating research on neighbourhood partnerships. Peter has held advisory roles for government departments (DCMS, Cabinet Office and DLUHC), the European Commission and local authorities. He is currently a member of the Youth Futures Foundation grants committee and has served on other grant committees including for the Portuguese and Norwegian governments.
From 2014-2020 Peter was an Associate Dean for Research and Innovation at SHU, overseeing a portfolio of social science and arts research and developing the university’s approach to research assessment and research infrastructure.
Research interests
Peter has wide ranging research interests including
- evaluation and evidence based policy making
- social investment and the voluntary and community sector
- regional and urban policy
- youth unemployment
- community and locally based climate action
Research
- Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research
Please contact me for further details about these research projects and for summaries of the findings.
2022-2025 Yorkshire Policy and Engagement Research Network, Research England. Role: Project Manager.
2019-22 Evaluation and Learning Contact for Power to Change’s Market Development Programme. Role: Joint Project Director with Dr Rob Macmillan.
Publications
Journal articles
Gore, T., & Wells, P. (2022). Levelling Up: a missed opportunity to reframe the role of investment in physical capital. People, Place and Policy, 16 (2), 146-156. http://doi.org/10.3351/ppp.2022.9688786842
Johnston, A., Wells, P., & Woodhouse, D. (2021). Examining the roles of universities in place-based industrial strategy: which characteristics drive knowledge creation in priority technologies? Regional Studies. http://doi.org/10.1080/00343404.2021.1956683
Johnston, A., & Wells, P. (2020). Assessing the Role of Universities in a Place-Based Industrial Strategy: Evidence from the UK. Local Economy. http://doi.org/10.1177/0269094220957977
Fothergill, S., Gore, T., & Wells, P. (2019). Industrial strategy and the UK regions: Sectorally narrow and spatially blind. Cambridge Journal of Regions, Economy and Society, 12 (3), 445-466. http://doi.org/10.1093/cjres/rsz016
Wells, P. (2018). Evidence based policy making in an age of austerity. People, place and policy online, 11 (3), 175-183. http://doi.org/10.3351/ppp.2017.8763267545
Wells, P. (2013). When the Third Sector went to Market: the problematic use of market failure to justify social investment policy. Voluntary Sector Review, 4 (1), 77-94. http://doi.org/10.1332/204080513X663813
Bashir, N., Dayson, C., Eadson, W., & Wells, P. (2013). A warm glow in all parts? : building local cause-affinity as a strategy for promoting charitable giving. People, place and policy online, 7 (3), 139-152. http://doi.org/10.3351/ppp.0007.0003.0003
Wells, P., & Dayson, C. (2013). Voluntary and community sector policy under the Coalition Government. People, place and policy online, 7 (2), 91-99. http://doi.org/10.3351/ppp.0007.0002.0006
Wells, P. (2012). Understanding social investment policy : evidence from the evaluation of Futurebuilders in England. Voluntary Sector Review, 3 (2), 157-177. http://doi.org/10.1332/204080512X649342
Wells, P. (2012). Prescriptions for regional economic dilemmas : understanding the role of think tanks in the governance of regional policy. Public Administration, 90 (1), 211-229. http://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-9299.2011.01958.x
Crowe, M., Dayson, C., & Wells, P. (2010). Prospects for the Third Sector. People, place and policy online, 4 (1), 29-32. http://doi.org/10.3351/ppp.0004.0001.0007
Gore, T., & Wells, P. (2009). Governance and evaluation : the case of EU regional policy horizontal priorities. Evaluation and Program Planning, 32 (2), 158-167. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.evalprogplan.2008.10.007
Darlow, A., Percy-Smith, J., & Wells, P. (2007). Community strategies: Are they delivering joined up governance? Local Government Studies, 33 (1), 117-129. http://doi.org/10.1080/03003930601081457
Gore, T., Powell, R., & Wells, P. (2006). The contribution of rural community businesses to integrated rural development: local services for local people. Cahiers d'economie et sociologie rurales, 80 (3), 29-52. http://www.inra.fr/esr/publications/cahiers/pdf/gore.pdf
Armstrong, H.W., & Wells, P. (2006). Evaluating the governance of structural funds programmes: the case of community economic development in South Yorkshire. European planning studies, 14 (6), 855-876. http://doi.org/10.1080/09654310500496198
Armstrong, H.W., & Wells, P. (2006). Structural funds and the evaluation of community economic development initiatives in the UK: a critical perspective. Regional studies, 40 (2), 259-272. http://doi.org/10.1080/00343400600600645
Armstrong, H.W., Kehrer, B., Wells, P., & Wood, A.M. (2002). The evaluation of community economic development initiatives. Urban studies, 39 (3), 457-481. http://doi.org/10.1080/00420980220112784
Armstrong, H.W., Kehrer, B., & Wells, P. (2001). Initial impacts of community economic development initiatives in the Yorkshire and Humber structural funds programme. Regional studies, 35 (8), 673-688. http://doi.org/10.1080/00343400120084
Robinson, D., & Wells, P. (n.d.). Editorial: PPP at Ten. People, Place and Policy Online, 11 (3), 134-135. http://doi.org/10.3351/ppp.2017.6592732484
Conference papers
Sanderson, E., Wells, P., & Wilson, I. (2015). Young people's resilience and involvement : possible elements of the European Union's Structural and Investment Funds in addressing youth unemployment? In Challenges for the New Cohesion Policy in 2014-2020 : An Academic and Policy Debate, Riga, 4 February 2015 - 6 February 2015. http://www.regionalstudies.org/conferences/conference/challenges-for-the-new-cohesion-policy-in-2014-2020-an-academic-and-policy
Book chapters
Sanderson, E., Wells, P., & Wilson, I. (2016). Resilience and involvement: the role of the EU's Structural and Investment Funds in addressing youth unemployment. In Bachtler, J., Berkowitz, P., Hardy, S., & Muravska, T. (Eds.) EU cohesion policy: reassessing performance and direction. (pp. 127-139). Abingdon: Routledge: http://doi.org/10.4324/9781315401867
Wells, P. (2008). The third sector and community cohesion in deprived neighbourhoods. In Community Cohesion in Crisis?: New Dimensions of Diversity and Difference. (pp. 139-157).
PERRATON, J., & WELLS, P. (2004). Multi-level Governance and Economic Policy. In Multi-level Governance. (pp. 179-194). Oxford University Press: http://doi.org/10.1093/0199259259.003.0011
Reports
Eadson, W., Northall, P., Johnston, A., Parkes, S., Wells, P., & While, A. (2022). South Yorkshire low carbon energy supply chains: nuclear sector summary. Sheffield Hallam University, Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/sector-summary-nuclear
Eadson, W., Northall, P., Johnston, A., Parkes, S., Wells, P., & While, A. (2022). South Yorkshire low carbon energy supply chains: insulation sector summary. Sheffield Hallam University, Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/sector-summary-insulation
Eadson, W., Northall, P., Johnston, A., Parkes, S., Wells, P., & While, A. (2022). South Yorkshire low carbon energy supply chains: hydrogen sector summary. Sheffield Hallam University, Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/sector-summary-hydrogen
Eadson, W., Northall, P., Johnston, A., Parkes, S., Wells, P., & While, A. (2022). South Yorkshire low carbon energy supply chains: heat pumps sector summary. Sheffield Hallam University, Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/sector-summary-heat-pumps
Eadson, W., Northall, P., Johnston, A., Parkes, S., Wells, P., & While, A. (2022). South Yorkshire low carbon energy supply chains: heat networks sector summary. Sheffield Hallam University, Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/sector-summary-heat-networks
Eadson, W., Northall, P., Johnston, A., Parkes, S., Wells, P., & While, A. (2022). South Yorkshire low carbon energy supply chains: carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS) sector summary. Sheffield Hallam University, Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/sector-summary-carbon-capture-utilisation-and-storage-ccus
Eadson, W., Northall, P., Johnston, A., Parkes, S., Wells, P., & While, A. (2022). Low carbon energy supply chains, employment and skills in South Yorkshire: headline findings. Sheffield Hallam University, Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/low-carbon-energy-supply-chains-employment-and-skills-in-south-yorkshire-headline-findings
Damm, C., Pearson, S., Sanderson, E., Wells, P., & Wilson, I. (2020). Talent Match Evaluation: Understanding the impact and value of Talent Match. Sheffield Hallam University. http://doi.org/10.7190/cresr.2020.2031246178
Damm, C., Green, A., & Wells, P. (2020). Talent Match Evaluation: Comparative Report. Sheffield Hallam University. http://doi.org/10.7190/cresr.2020.813564058
Damm, C., Green, A., Pearson, S., Sanderson, E., Wells, P., & Wilson, I. (2020). Talent Match Evaluation: A Final Assessment. Sheffield Hallam University. http://doi.org/10.7190/cresr.2020.1739253459
Damm, C., Pearson, S., Sanderson, E., Wells, P., & Wilson, I. (2020). Talent Match Evaluation: Technical Appendix Report. Sheffield Hallam University. http://doi.org/10.7190/cresr.2020.7420650207
Wells, P., Macmillan, R., & Dobson, J. (2020). Food for thought: Understanding market development in the community business sector. Community Fund. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/food-for-thought-understanding-market-development-in-the-community-business-sector
Crisp, R., Ferrari, E., Fothergill, S., Gore, T., & Wells, P. (2019). Strong economies, better places. London: Labour. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/strong-economies-better-places
Crisp, R., Damm, C., Green, A., Pearson, S., Sanderson, E., & Wells, P. (2018). Talent Match Evaluation: Progression to Employment. Sheffield: Sheffield Hallam University. http://doi.org/10.7190/cresr.2018.3322694645
Bashir, N., Pearson, S., Sanderson, E., & Wells, P. (2018). Talent Match Evaluation: Involving Young People. Sheffield: Sheffield Hallam University. http://doi.org/10.7190/cresr.2018.3465668226
Damm, C., Green, A., Pearson, S., Sanderson, E., & Wells, P. (2018). Talent Match Evaluation: Youth Employment Partnerships. Sheffield: Sheffield Hallam University. http://doi.org/10.7190/cresr.2018.3356697744
Wells, P., Pearson, S., Damm, C., & Sanderson, E. (2018). Involving young people: Lessons from the Talent Match programme evaluation. Sheffield: Sheffield Hallam University. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/involving-young-people-lessons-from-the-talent-match-programme-evaluation
Wells, P., Pearson, S., Damm, C., & Sanderson, E. (2018). Youth Employment Partnerships: Lessons from the Talent Match programme evaluation. Sheffield: Sheffield Hallam University. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/youth-employment-partnerships-lessons-from-the-talent-match-programme-evaluation
Wells, P., Pearson, S., Damm, C., & Sanderson, E. (2018). Progression to Employment: Lessons from the Talent Match programme evaluation. Sheffield: Sheffield Hallam University. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/progression-to-employment-lessons-from-the-talent-match-programme-evaluation
Fothergill, S., Gore, T., & Wells, P. (2017). Industrial Strategy and the Regions : the shortcomings of a narrow sectoral focus. Sheffield: Sheffield Hallam University. http://doi.org/10.7190/cresr.2017.3869752946
Bennett, E., Damm, C., Dayson, C., Pearson, S., & Wells, P. (2016). Early Action Neighbourhood Fund: learning and evaluation - year one programme report. Sheffield: Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research, Sheffield Hallam University. https://www.shu.ac.uk/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). EANF learning report 2: building alliances. Sheffield: Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research, Sheffield Hallam University. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/eanf-learning-report-2-building-alliances
Bennett, E., Damm, C., Dayson, C., Pearson, S., & Wells, P. (2016). EANF Learning Report 1: Evidence and Data. Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research, Sheffield Hallam University. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/eanf-learning-report-1-evidence-and-data
Pattison, B., Tyler, P., Wells, P., & Wilson, I. (2016). Regeneration revival? Making housing-led regeneration work across England. Sheffield: Chartered Institute of Housing. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/regeneration-revival-making-housing-led-regeneration-work-across-england
Taylor, P., Davies, L., Wells, P., Gilbertson, J., & Tayleur, W. (2015). A review of the social impacts of culture and sport. Department for Culture, Media and Sport. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/a-review-of-the-social-impacts-of-culture-and-sport
Powell, R., & Wells, P. (2015). Talent Match evaluation and learning contract: briefing report 2015. Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research, Sheffield Hallam University. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/talent-match-evaluation-and-learning-contract-briefing-report-2015
Macmillan, R., Ellis-Paine, A., Kara, H., Dayson, C., Sanderson, E., & Wells, P. (2014). Building Capabilities in the Voluntary Sector: What the evidence tells us. Third Sector Research Centre. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/building-capabilities-in-the-voluntary-sector-what-the-evidence-tells-us
Crisp, R., Green, A., & Wells, P. (2014). Talent Match Evaluation and Learning Contract: 2013-19 - Partnerships and Service Delivery: an evidence review. Sheffield Hallam University, Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/talent-match-evaluation-and-learning-contract-2013-19---partnerships-and-service-delivery-an
Bashir, N., Atfield, G., & Wells, P. (2014). Talent Match Evaluation and Learning Contract: 2013-19 - Involvement of Young People: an evidence review. Sheffield Hallam University, Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/talent-match-evaluation-and-learning-contract-2013-19---involvement-of-young-people-an-evidence
Bashir, N., Dayson, C., Eadson, W., & Wells, P. (2013). Local business giving: between the raffle prize and a new source of funding. Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research, Sheffield Hallam University. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/local-business-giving-between-the-raffle-prize-and-a-new-source-of-funding
Bashir, N., Dayson, C., & Wells, P. (2013). Local Giving: possibilities for support and development organisations. Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research, Sheffield Hallam University. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/local-giving-possibilities-for-support-and-development-organisations
Wells, P., Dayson, C., Gilbertson, J., Pearson, S., Gore, T., Batty, E., ... Ward, T. (2012). Research Study into Outsourcing Grantmaking: Final Report. Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research, Sheffield Hallam University. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/research-study-into-outsourcing-grantmaking-final-report
Wells, P., Hickman, P., Dayson, C., Walshaw, A., Batty, E., Gore, T., ... O'Toole, C. (2012). Village SOS Project Evaluation. Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research, Sheffield Hallam University. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/village-sos-project-evaluation
Pearson, S., Wells, P., Dayson, C., Eadson, W., Gilbertson, J., & Walshaw, A. (2011). Sustaining the benefits of capital funding. Big Lottery Fund.
Wells, P., Dayson, C., Batty, E., Crisp, R., & Parr, S. (2011). Social Investment and its Impact: The Evaluation of Charity Bank in the North. Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research, Sheffield Hallam University. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/social-investment-and-its-impact-the-evaluation-of-charity-bank-in-the-north
Wells, P., Dayson, C., Batty, E., Crisp, R., & Parr, S. (2011). Social investment and its impact: the evaluation of charity bank in the north: executive summary. Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research, Sheffield Hallam University. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/social-investment-and-its-impact-the-evaluation-of-charity-bank-in-the-north-exec-summary
Dayson, C., Wells, P., Eadson, W., Gilbertson, J., Pearson, S., Walshaw, A., ... Trinnaman, J. (2011). Sustaining the benefits of capital funding: Final report. Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research, Sheffield Hallam University. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/sustaining-the-benefits-of-capital-funding-final-report
Gilbertson, J., Wells, P., Gore, T., & Crowe, M. (2010). Measuring the Big Society? Approaches, problems and suggested improvements. Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research, Sheffield Hallam University. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/measuring-the-big-society-approaches-problems-and-suggested-improvements
Wells, P., Gilbertson, J., Gore, T., & Crowe, M. (2010). A Big Society in Yorkshire and Humber? Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research, Sheffield Hallam University. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/a-big-society-in-yorkshire-and-humber
Tyler, P., Warnock, C., Provins, A., Wells, P., Brennan, A., Cole, I., ... Phang, Z. (2010). Valuing the Benefits of Regeneration: Economics paper 7 - Summary. Department for Communities and Local Government. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/valuing-the-benefits-of-regeneration-economics-paper-7---summary
Tyler, P., Warnock, C., Povins, A., Wells, P., Brennan, A., Cole, I., ... Phang, Z. (2010). Valuing the Benefits of Regeneration: Economics paper 7 - Volume I - Final Report. Department for Communities and Local Government. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/valuing-the-benefits-of-regeneration-economics-paper-7---volume-i---final-report
Tyler, P., Warnock, C., Provins, A., Wells, P., Brennan, A., Cole, I., ... Phang, Z. (2010). Valuing the Benefits of Regeneration: Economics paper 7 - Volume II - Logic chains and literature review. Department for Communities and Local Government. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/valuing-the-benefits-of-regeneration-economics-paper-7---volume-ii
Wells, P., Batty, E., Pearson, S., Dayson, C., Platts-Fowler, D., Trinnaman, J., ... Macmillan, R. (2010). Evaluation of the South Yorkshire Social Infrastructure Programme - Report A: Summary Report. Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research, Sheffield Hallam University. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/evaluation-of-the-south-yorkshire-social-infrastructure-programme---report-a-summary-report
Wells, P., Dayson, C., & Macmillan, R. (2010). Evaluation of the South Yorkshire Social Infrastructure Programme - Report B: Changing Policy Agendas and Contexts. Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research, Sheffield Hallam University. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/evaluation-of-the-south-yorkshire-social-infrastructure-programme---report-b
Wells, P., & Dayson, C. (2010). Evaluation of the South Yorkshire Social Infrastructure Programme - Report C: Programme Wide Assessment. Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research, Sheffield Hallam University. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/evaluation-of-the-south-yorkshire-social-infrastructure-programme---report-c
Wells, P. (2010). High Level Skills in Yorkshire and Humber: Understanding the Drivers of Change. Yorkshire Futures. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/high-level-skills-in-yorkshire-and-humber-understanding-the-drivers-of-change
Wells, P. (2010). Using Realist Synthesis to Understand What Works in High Level Skills Interventions. Yorkshire Futures. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/using-realist-synthesis-to-understand-what-works-in-high-level-skills-interventions
Wells, P., & Dayson, C. (2010). Measuring the impact of third sector infrastructure organisations. Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research, Sheffield Hallam University. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/measuring-the-impact-of-third-sector-infrastructure-organisations
Roberts, D., McNeill, T., Wells, P., Crisp, R., & Gore, T. (2010). High level skills in Yorkshire and Humber - understanding the drivers of change: Summary. Ekogen. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/high-level-skills-in-yorkshire-and-humber---understanding-the-drivers-of-change-summary
Roberts, D., McNeill, T., Wells, P., Crisp, R., & Gore, T. (2010). High level skills in Yorkshire and the Humber: understanding the drivers of change - phase 2 realist synthesis. Ekogen. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/high-level-skills-in-yorkshire-and-the-humber-understanding-the-drivers-of-change---phase-2
Roberts, D., McNeill, T., Wells, P., Crisp, R., & Gore, T. (2010). High level skills in Yorkshire and Humber: Understanding the drivers of change - Phase 1 high level skills context. Ekogen. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/high-level-skills-in-yorkshire-and-humber-understanding-the-drivers-of-change---phase-1
Wells, P., Coule, T., Dayson, C., Morgan, G., Ambrose, A., Batty, E., ... Patmore, B. (2010). Futurebuilders Evaluation: Final Report. Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research, Sheffield Hallam University. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/futurebuilders-evaluation-final-report
Wells, P., Coule, T., Dayson, C., Morgan, G., Ambrose, A., Batty, E., ... Patmore, B. (2010). Futurebuilders Evaluation: Final Report Executive Summary. Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research, Sheffield Hallam University. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/futurebuilders-evaluation-final-report-executive-summary
Batty, E., Pearson, S., & Wells, P. (2009). Evaluation of the South Yorkshire Social Infrastructure Programme - Report F: Core Infrastructure Services. Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research, Sheffield Hallam University. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/evaluation-of-the-south-yorkshire-social-infrastructure-programme---report-f
Wells, P., Dayson, C., & Macmillan, R. (2009). Evaluation of the South Yorkshire Social Infrastructure Programme - Report J: Evaluation Framework. Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research, Sheffield Hallam University. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/evaluation-of-the-south-yorkshire-social-infrastructure-programme---report-j-evaluation-framework
Wells, P., Batty, E., & Dayson, C. (2009). Evaluation of the South Yorkshire Social Infrastructure Programme - Report D: Investment in Volunteer Centres. Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research, Sheffield Hallam University. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/evaluation-of-the-south-yorkshire-social-infrastructure-programme---report-d
Wells, P., Ardron, R., & Wilson, M. (2009). Evaluation of the South Yorkshire social infrastructure programme - report I: partnership, voice, engagement and influence. Sheffield Hallam University, Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/evaluation-of-the-south-yorkshire-social-infrastructure-programme---report-i
Wells, P., Batty, E., & Dayson, C. (2009). Evaluation of the South Yorkshire Social Infrastructure Programme - Report H: Neighbourhood Infrastructure. Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research, Sheffield Hallam University. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/evaluation-of-the-south-yorkshire-social-infrastructure-programme---report-h
Crisp, R., Gore, T., & Wells, P. (2009). Evidence review of the impact of the ESF on those furthest from the labour market 2007 - 2013. Third Sector European Network. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/evidence-review-of-the-impact-of-the-esf-on-those-furthest-from-the-labour-market-2007---2013
Wells, P., Dayson, C., Wilson, I., & Hems, L. (2009). Third Sector and Recession: an initial quantitative assessment. Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research, Sheffield Hallam University. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/third-sector-and-recession-an-initial-quantitative-assessment
Wells, P., Duffy, D., & Platts-Fowler, D. (2008). Neighbourhood governance: making NDC elections a significant event for partnerships and communities? Some lessons from the New Deal for Communities Programme. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/neighbourhood-governance-making-ndc-elections-a-significant-event-for-partnerships-and-communities
Wells, P. (2008). Evaluation of futurebuilders: interim report - Summary briefing. Sheffield Hallam University, Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/evaluation-of-futurebuilders-interim-report---summary-briefing
Lawless, P., Dickinson, S., Fordham, G., Fuller, C., Meegan, R., & Wells, P. (2008). Challenges, interventions and change: an overview of neighbourhood renewal in six New Deal for Communities areas. Communities and Local Government. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/challenges-interventions-and-change
Pearson, S., Ardron, R., Lawless, P., Wells, P., Dickinson, S., Fordham, G., ... Meegan, R. (2008). Delivering safer neighbourhoods: experiences from the New Deal for communities programme. Communities and Local Government Publications.
Wells, P. (2006). Formative evaluation of community strategies. Leeds Metropolitan University. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/formative-evaluation-of-community-strategies
Wells, P., & Goudie, R. (2005). Process evaluation of plan rationalisation formative evaluation of community strategies. ODPM Publications. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/process-evaluation-of-plan-rationalisation-formative-evaluation-of-community-strategies
Wells, P., Dowson, L., & Percy-Smith, J. (2005). Process evaluation of plan rationalisation : formulative evaluation of community strategies : consultation findings and evaluation framework. Leeds Metropolitan University. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/process-evaluation-of-plan-rationalisation
Wells, P., Hanson, S., Darlow, A., Hill, C., Johnson, S., Walton, F., ... Escott, K. (2004). South Yorkshire objective 1 programme mid term evaluation. Policy Research Institute, Leeds Metropolitan University. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/south-yorkshire-objective-1-programme-mid-term-evaluation
Gore, T., Powell, R., & Wells, P. (2003). The contribution of community businesses to the rural economy of Yorkshire and the Humber. Sheffield Hallam University, Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research. https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/the-contribution-of-community-businesses-to-the-rural-economy-of-yorkshire-and-the-humber
Damm, C., Green, A., & Wells, P. (n.d.). Talent Match Evaluation: Comparative Report. Sheffield Hallam University. http://doi.org/10.7190/cresr.2020.8135640588
Theses / Dissertations
Woodward, A. (2020). Exploring informal support networksamongst Pakistani Muslims indeprived areas of Sheffield. (Doctoral thesis). Supervised by White, R., & Wells, P. http://doi.org/10.7190/shu-thesis-00355
Langmead, K. (2018). Exploring the performance of democracy and economic diversity in worker cooperatives. (Doctoral thesis). Supervised by White, R., Wells, P., & Dayson, C. http://doi.org/10.7190/shu-thesis-00102
Dobson, J. (2017). Reading the future : constructing low-carbon imaginaries in urban institutions. (Doctoral thesis). Supervised by Wells, P., & Eadson, W. http://doi.org/10.7190/shu-thesis-00004
Prinos, I. (2016). Third sector, welfare, governance and social citizenship in Greece and the UK. (Doctoral thesis). Supervised by Wells, P., Powell, R., & Dayson, C.
Baxendale, J.K. (2015). Understanding 'what works': Evidence based regional policy making in England. (Doctoral thesis). Supervised by Wells, P., & Wilson, I.
Bennett, E.K. (2015). The power of ideas : the state-sector relationship in policy and practice. (Doctoral thesis). Supervised by Wells, P., & Coule, T.
Ruggiero, A. (2013). Transforming sub-national economic governance in England : From competitive regions to competitive city-regions. (Doctoral thesis). Supervised by Wells, P., Gore, T., & Escott, K.
Pearce, S. (2012). Constitutional change and community development : Communities first under the Welsh government. (Doctoral thesis). Supervised by Wells, P., Gore, T., & Casey, R.
Eadson, W.T.M. (2011). Spatial practices of governing carbon. (Doctoral thesis). Supervised by Wells, P., & Gore, T.
Elton, C.J. (2011). The re-design of rural governance : New institutions for old? (Doctoral thesis). Supervised by Wells, P., & Gore, T.
Moore, T.E. (2011). Community ownership and governance of affordable housing: Perspectives on community land trusts. (Doctoral thesis). Supervised by Flint, J.F., & Wells, P.
Postgraduate supervision
Peter is currently supervising three PhD students. The topics are youth unemployment, social impact bonds and the civic role of universities.
He would welcome discussion in supervising students in these fields and around the following areas
- evidence based policy making
- youth unemployment and the role of the voluntary sector
- community and locally based climate action
- social investment.
Media
Peter Wells is Professor of Public Policy Analysis and Evaluation, and Associate Dean for Research and Innovation, College of Social Sciences and Arts. He is also leads research projects in the Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research (CRESR) at Sheffield Hallam.