Criminal Justice

Social Innovation

Education, Childhood & Youth

Incomes, Work & Poverty

Housing & Homelessness

How We Change Policy

Our aim is to make a real-world difference to policy-making by conducting research using innovative methods, co-produced with policy-makers, services and service users. We make a range of resources available to support policy-makers and practitioners. These help people to establish what works, disseminate findings on specific policies and share our insights on innovative methods.

Latest News and Events

Latest News


Meeting the Challenge of Complex Need – Homelessness Sector

Researcher Anton Roberts of the Policy Evaluation and Researcher Unit (PERU) is proud to release this report in collaboration with Lifeshare. This detailed piece of work explores the role of complex need in frontline homelessness services - attempting to define the challenges faced, provide examples of best practice, and a host of recommendations for improved ways of working. This detailed service guide has been informed by Anton's co-productive doctoral research, which took place over a two-year period across provisions here in Manchester. The resource also draws heavily on the lived experience of the organisations staff, volunteers and service users. This resource would be of great use to any frontline workers/volunteers in the sector, as well as any frontline provision that works with vulnerable/marginalised groups. It is a reflection of the (at times) stark difficulties faced by third sector organisations, but also provides a series of realistic and practical solutions.

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Director of PERU

Professor Ashwin Kumar is stepping down as Director of @MMUPERU

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Latest Events


Upcoming Event: Relational Public Services Book Launch in Memory of Professor Susan Baines

Relational Public Services Book Launch in Memory of Prof Sue Baines

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The Manchester International Crime and Justice Film Festival 2024

Welcome to the 2024 festival sponsored by the Department of Sociology at Manchester Metropolitan University and curated by staff from the…

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