Tom’s research interests span medical sociology, social policy and critical gerontology. This means he is interested in the ways health systems, welfare structures and wider society shape the material and psycho-social experience of health, illness, disability and ageing.

After graduating with a MA in Social Research (Warwick), Tom’s PhD research examined the lived experience of multiple chronic conditions and supportive relationships in later life (NIHR School Primary Care Research, Keele University). Following his PhD, Tom came to the UEA to work as a Senior Research Associate on an ESRC funded project investigating personal assistance relationships – the supportive relationships that occur when disabled people directly employ their own support staff. Most recently, Tom’s research focus has broadened to include the impact of welfare reform on the lives of disabled people.

In all his research, Tom seeks to apply social and political theory in ways bring clarity and fresh perspective to complex, or every day, social processes. He is driven by the prospect of making health systems and social policy fairer and more democratic.

Tom teaches across the UEA’s BA in Sociology, where he draws upon his research experience to help students explore theoretical concepts and develop methodological skills. As with his research, Tom is committed to including people with lived experience in co-producing teaching.