Dr Stephen Jeffares

Mondays' between 14:00-16:00

• PhD (Birmingham) 
• BSc (Hons, First class) (Birmingham) Public Policy, Government and Management

Stephen Jeffares is internationally known for his development of systematic methods to interpret complex public policy debate. His most recent work concerns the inter-subjectivities surrounding the changing shape of frontline work through the application of digital and AI related technologies.

Stephen’s research explores the interplay of policy ideas and public servant subjectivities. He deploys innovative, systematic and interpretive methods to identify and analyse the inter-subjectivity that surrounds current policy ideas.

Stephen is best known for his use of Q-methodology in public policy and administration research, in particular techniques for mapping the inter connections of subjectivities held by public servants for their policy initiatives and how this shapes the implementation and longevity of such initiatives. His approach pays particular attention to online sentiment including reviews and social media. Recent work considers how policy actors are reacting to ideas of AI, service design and product management.

Stephen’s approach has contributed to theory in a number of book project: to theories of collaboration and urban governance (Hybrid Governance in European Cities, with Chris Skelcher and Helen Sullivan, 2013), to political discourse theory and ideational approaches (Interpreting Hashtag Politics, 2014) and theories of digital government (The Virtual Public Servant, 2021).

Before joining the School of Government as lecturer in 2011, Stephen was Research Associate at the Centre for Cities, UWE Bristol and Roberts Research Fellow, College of Social Science. He has been visiting lecturer at University of Melbourne and visiting researcher at the Health Media Collaboratory, UIC Chicago.  He has been invited guest lectures at University of Amsterdam, University of Vienna, University of Lyon, Kent State University and University College London.

Stephen is currently Programme Leader of the Public Management and Leadership Higher Apprenticeship. He has previously served as Deputy Director for Research (Methodology) College of Social Science, Director of Post-Graduate Research, Institute of Local Government Studies. 

Stephen has served on the Editorial Boards of Public Management Review, Operant Subjectivity and the editorial team of Local Government Studies. He is regularly peer-reviews for funders and leading academic journals. He has examined PhDs in the UK, Norway and Australia.

• Co-Convener Public Policy Research Methods, INLOGOV PG programme, 2011-
• Convener of Advanced Training Course  MA Social Research Programme,  Q methodology, 2009-

PhD supervision – Maureen O’Connor (2008- PT) and Tom Barrance (2011- PT) George Despotidis (2013- FT).

Dr Jeffares is interested in supervising projects that draw on social media data to understand change or controversies in public policy.

Current MSc dissertation supervision (2013-14):

- John Williams, Barriers to Joint Commissioning Barriers.
- Jamie Bradbury, Community Capacity
- Sue Bottomley, Front-line adaptation to change
- Cherie Norman, Readiness for change in middle management
- Ryan Hunt

Examples of previous MSc supervision:

- 2010 Nichola Whiteman, Student resident relations.
- 2012 David Nunns (MBA), Third sector viewpoints.
- 2012 Claire Pennell (with HSMC), Public Services and Rehabilitation.
- 2012 Afsa Mitha, Area based commissioning
- 2012 George Despotidis, Citizen participation in Greece.
- 2013 Sarah Jeffries, What it means to be professional.
- 2013 Iain Taylor-Allen Sector led learning.
- 2013 Henrietta Brealey Implementing Social Value.

PhD title

Why public policy ideas catch on: empty signifiers and flourishing neighbourhoods 2008.

• Sentiment Analysis of Policy Controversies, 2013-2014. 
• Shape of Ideas to Come - Harvesting and Analysing Online Discussio about Public Policy, British Academy SG112101, 2012-2013.
• Health and social care commissioning: an exploration of processes, services and outcomes, SDO, NHS National Institute for Health Research, October 2009-March 2012.

• Postgraduate Research (PGR) Lead, INLOGOV.
• Host of the 27th Annual Q methodology Conference September 7-9 2011
• Coproducer of software for online Q sorting POETQ