Biography

Stephen is a principal research fellow and co-head of participative research at IPPR.

With Becca Massey-Chase, he leads on participative research at IPPR, developing and using participatory methods and deliberative democracy to co-create policy solutions. Becca and Stephen were formerly co-deputy head of the Environmental Justice Commission, leading the commission’s citizens’ juries across the UK. Based in the energy, climate, housing, and infrastructure team, Stephen has a particular interest in a just transition for transport.

Before joining IPPR, Stephen was the head of the research and monitoring unit at walking and cycling charity Sustrans, and led the development of the organisation’s strategy for achieving ‘liveable cities and towns for everyone’. He is highly experienced in a wide range of evaluation, appraisal and research methods relevant to making the case for active travel and improvements to the public realm. 

Prior to joining Sustrans, Stephen worked as the voluntary sector and community development lead for the London Borough of Hounslow and for a range of social enterprises and charities focussed on social action and increasing public participation in decision making. 

He has experience across a wide range of public policy areas, including:

• participatory decision-making
• community development
• voluntary, community and social enterprise sector
• research and evaluation best practice
• active travel and designing places for reduced car use.

Stephen's normal working days are Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. Becca Massey-Chase's normal working days are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday.