Dr Hefin Gwilym

Lecturer in Criminology and Criminal Justice; Lecturer in Social Policy

h.gwilym@bangor.ac.uk

+44 1248 382509

Dr Hefin Gwilym

I am a Lecturer in Social Policy at 成人VR视频 and a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. Since 2025, I have also contributed teaching for the Criminology programmes. I have published extensively on poverty and welfare, including a co-edited book with Charlotte Williams on social policy in Wales - 'Social Policy for Welfare Practice in Wales' (2021), with a foreword by the Rt Hon Mark Drakeford. My recent journal articles have focused on universal basic income and welfare reform. I completed my doctorate at Keele University and my BA and MA degrees at Swansea University. I am a supervisor for several PhD and MA students. My undergraduate and postgraduate teaching concentrates on poverty, social security, inequality, and housing. I engage in public scholarship through media commentary, webinars, social media, and outreach activities to make social policy debates accessible outside academia. I received the 成人VR视频 2026 Student-led Thesis/Dissertation Supervisor of the Year award.

My contact email is h.gwilym@bangor.ac.uk

I am the School's Postgraduate Taught Examinations Officer

  • Postgraduate Certificate in Education, History
  • Diploma in Social Work
  • Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education
  • Senior Fellow Higher Education Academy
    Higher Education Academy,
  • Doctorate
    Keele University,
  • BA Politics
    Swansea University,
  • MA Politics
    Swansea University,

I teach the following modules:

HPS1001 Social Policy and the State

SXP2010 Poverty and Inequality

SXP3210 Housing Policy

SXP4040 Key Issues in Social Policy

Combined Work Placement Module

BA and MA Dissertations

I also offer PhD Supervision

听听

I offer PhD supervision in social policy and sociology, assisting students in developing rigorous, policy-relevant research grounded in critical and applied perspectives. My supervision covers a range of topics, including welfare reform, austerity, poverty, inequality, food insecurity, housing, and the impact of social policy on lived experiences in Wales, the broader UK, and beyond. I also supervise projects on homelessness, labour market inequalities, and emerging policy innovations such as Universal Basic Income, using comparative and interdisciplinary methods. Across all projects, I emphasise robust methodological design, critical engagement with theory, and producing research with meaningful social and policy impacts.

2026

  • Published
    Gwilym, H., Beck, D. & Ph瓢啤ng Anh, N., Jun 2026, In: Journal of Working-Class Studies. 11, 1
    Research output: Contribution to journal 鈥� Article 鈥� peer-review

2025

  • E-pub ahead of print
    Gwilym, H., Beck, D., Jones, E., Ellis, D. & Closs-Davies, S., 23 Jul 2025, (E-pub ahead of print) In: World Affairs. 188, 3, 6 p.
    Research output: Contribution to journal 鈥� Article 鈥� peer-review
  • E-pub ahead of print
    Gwilym, H. & Gabuljah, S. G., 6 Oct 2025, (E-pub ahead of print) In: Global Social Challenges. 4, 2, p. 208-221 14 p.
    Research output: Contribution to journal 鈥� Article 鈥� peer-review
  • Published
    Gwilym, H. & Pithouse, A., 30 Jun 2025, International Handbook of Social Work. First ed. Valencia: tirant humanidades, Vol. First. p. 1332-1374 32 p.
    Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding 鈥� Chapter 鈥� peer-review

2024

  • Published
    Gwilym, H. & Beck, D., 26 Jul 2024, In: Critical Social Policy. 45, 1
    Research output: Contribution to journal 鈥� Article 鈥� peer-review
  • E-pub ahead of print
    Gwilym, H. & Beck, D., 2 Jan 2024, (E-pub ahead of print) Diversity and Welfare Provision: Tension and Discrimination in 21st Century Britain. Gregory, L. & Iafrati, S. (eds.). 1st ed. Bristol: Policy Press, p. 60-74 14 p.
    Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding 鈥� Chapter 鈥� peer-review

2023

  • Published
    Gwilym, H., 10 Jun 2023, Social Work in Wales. Policy Press
    Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding 鈥� Chapter 鈥� peer-review
  • Published
    Beck, D. & Gwilym, H., Jul 2023, In: Social Policy and Society. 22, 3, p. 545-561 17 p.
    Research output: Contribution to journal 鈥� Article 鈥� peer-review
  • Published
    Gwilym, H. (Editor), 1 Aug 2023, Social Work in Wales. Bristol: Policy Press, p. 5-16
    Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding 鈥� Chapter 鈥� peer-review
  • Published
    Gwilym, H. & Beck, D., 6 Dec 2023, The Conversation.
    Research output: Contribution to specialist publication 鈥� Article

2022

  • Published
    Beck, D., Closs-Davies, S. & Gwilym, H., 17 Mar 2022, Senedd Cymru.
    Research output: Other contribution
  • Published
    Closs-Davies, S., Beck, D. & Gwilym, H., 9 May 2022, Policy Press.
    Research output: Other contribution
  • Published
    Closs-Davies, S., Gwilym, H. & Beck, D., 17 Mar 2022
    Research output: Other contribution

2021

  • Published
    Closs-Davies, S., Gwilym, H. & Beck, D., 16 Sept 2021
    Research output: Other contribution
  • Published
    Gwilym, H. & Williams, C., 22 Mar 2021, Social Policy for Welfare Practice in Wales. Gwilym, H. & Williams, C. (eds.). 3rd ed. The British Association of Social Workers.
    Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding 鈥� Chapter 鈥� peer-review
  • Published
    Gwilym, H. (Editor) & Williams OBE, C. (Editor), 22 Mar 2021, 3rd ed. Birmingham: The British Association of Social Workers. .
    Research output: Book/Report 鈥� Book 鈥� peer-review
  • Published
    Gwilym, H., 22 Mar 2021, Social Policy for Welfare Practice in Wales. Gwilym, H. & Williams, C. (eds.). 3rd ed. The British Association of Social Workers.
    Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding 鈥� Chapter 鈥� peer-review

2020

  • Published
    Beck, D. & Gwilym, H., Oct 2020, In: Journal of Poverty and Social Justice. 28, 3, p. 383-399 17 p.
    Research output: Contribution to journal 鈥� Article 鈥� peer-review

2019

  • Published
    Gwilym, H., Aug 2019, In: Critical and Radical Social Work. 7, 2, p. 203-214 12 p.
    Research output: Contribution to journal 鈥� Article 鈥� peer-review

2018

  • Published
    Gwilym, H., 1 Nov 2018, In: Critical and Radical Social Work. 6, 3, p. 407-413 7 p.
    Research output: Contribution to journal 鈥� Comment/debate 鈥� peer-review

2017

  • Published
    Gwilym, H., May 2017, In: International Journal of Social, Behavioral, Educational, Economic, Business and Industrial Engineering. 11, 5, p. 1094-1097 4 p., 49.
    Research output: Contribution to journal 鈥� Article 鈥� peer-review
  • Published
    Gwilym, H., 1 Mar 2017, In: Critical and Radical Social Work. 5, 1, p. 59-74 16 p.
    Research output: Contribution to journal 鈥� Article 鈥� peer-review

2016

  • Published
    Beck, D., Lane, E. E., Gwilym, H. M., Harris, I. & Gwilym, H., 23 Feb 2016, 成人VR视频.
    Research output: Other contribution
  • Published
    Gwilym, H., 11 May 2016, The Conversation.
    Research output: Contribution to specialist publication 鈥� Article

2015

  • Published
    Krayer, A. M., Gwilym, H. M., Krayer, A., Seddon, D., Robinson, C. A. & Gwilym, H., 6 Mar 2015, In: Journal of Child Sexual Abuse. 24, 2, p. 135-151
    Research output: Contribution to journal 鈥� Article 鈥� peer-review

2012

  • Published
    Krayer, A. M., Gwilym, H. M., Seddon, D., Krayer, A., Robinson, C. A., Gwilym, H., McKeown, G. & Hodrien, C., 1 Jan 2012, Unknown Publisher.
    Research output: Book/Report 鈥� Commissioned report

2011

  • Published
    Gwilym, H. M., Gwilym, H. & Williams, C. (Editor), 1 Oct 2011, Social Policy for Social Welfare Practice in a Devolved Wales 2nd Edition. 2011 ed. Venture Press
    Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding 鈥� Chapter
  • Published
    Gwilym, H. M., Gwilym, H. & Reimer, J., 1 Jan 2011, In: Sozialmagazin. 36, p. 46-53
    Research output: Contribution to journal 鈥� Article 鈥� peer-review
  • Published
    Gwilym, H. M., Baker, S., Gwilym, H. & Brown, B. J., 1 Jul 2011, In: Gwerddon. 8, p. 28-44
    Research output: Contribution to journal 鈥� Article 鈥� peer-review

2007

  • Published
    Gwilym, H. M., Gwilym, H. & Williams, C. (Editor), 1 Jan 2007, Social Policy for Welfare Practice in a Devolved Wales. 2007 ed. Venture Press
    Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding 鈥� Chapter
  • Published
    Gwilym, H. M. & Gwilym, H., 1 Mar 2007, In: Journal of Public Mental Health. 6, 1, p. 6-9
    Research output: Contribution to journal 鈥� Article 鈥� peer-review

2004

  • Published
    Gwilym, H. M., Saycell, K., Sims, J., Hughston-Roberts, J., Lancelot, A., Underwood, P. & Williams, H., 2 Sept 2004, In: Mental Health Practice. 8, 1, p. 18-22
    Research output: Contribution to journal 鈥� Article 鈥� peer-review

2026

  • Roedd yn wych gweld ymateb mor gadarnhaol i gyflwyniad Dr Hefin Gwilym, 鈥淎il-ddychmygu Polisi Diwylliannol yng Nghymru: Beth Allwn Ni ei Ddysgu o Iwerddon?鈥� yn yr Eisteddfod Genedlaethol yn Ngharred Las. Bu'r drafodaeth yn cynhyrchu nifer o awgrymiadau difyr a chraff gan y rhai oedd yn bresennol.

    Bydd yn ddiddorol gweld beth fydd yn digwydd nesaf yng Nghymru wrth i lunwyr polisi, ymarferwyr a chymunedau ystyried ffyrdd newydd o gefnogi artistiaid, lleoliadau diwylliannol a'r diwydiannau diwylliannol ehangach.

    Great to see such positive engagement with Dr Hefin Gwilym鈥檚 presentation, 鈥淩e-imagining Cultural Policy in Wales: What Can We Learn from Ireland?鈥� at the National Eisteddfod in Carreg Las. The discussion generated a range of thoughtful and insightful suggestions from those in attendance.

    It will be fascinating to see what happens next in Wales as policymakers, practitioners, and communities consider new ways to support artists, cultural venues, and the wider cultural industries.

    1 Aug 2026

    Activity: Oral presentation (Speaker)

  • The presentation explored findings from his research on the Basic Income for the Arts (BIA) in Ireland, highlighting lessons and insights that could inform policy and practice in Wales. The discussion connected closely with the recent Culture for Future Generations report from the Future Generations Commissioner for Wales. Hefin reflected on how the new Welsh Government might respond to the challenges facing the cultural sector, as communities continue to feel the long-term effects of the Covid-19 pandemic alongside ongoing cost-of-living pressures. With cultural venues across Wales facing increasing difficulties, the presentation considered what innovative policy responses might help support artists, strengthen cultural participation and secure the future of the sector.

    9 Jul 2026

    Activity: Oral presentation (Speaker)

  • 28 May 2026 鈥� 28 May 2029

    Links:

    Activity: Types of Business and Community - Membership of public/government advisory/policy group or panel (Contributor)

  • Interviewed on BBC Radio Cymru Dros Frecwast on Ofgem's statement that household energy prices will rise by 13% a year in July, as increasing costs caused by the US-Israeli war with Iran hit bills for the first time. I discussed the importance of getting good advice on paying bills, such as through Citizens Advice.

    27 May 2026

    Links:

    Activity: Types of Public engagement and outreach - Media article or participation (Contributor)

  • 成人VR视频 Student-Led Awards

    6 May 2026

    Activity: Other (Contributor)

  • A presentation on our research findings with musicians in Ireland in receipt of the Basic Income for the Arts (BIA), for Welsh Government civil servants.

    29 Apr 2026

    Activity: Oral presentation (Speaker)

  • As part of the Campaign for Social Science鈥檚 2026 series on devolution, this webinar, in partnership with the Centre for Public Policy, focused on the cost-of-living crisis. Surveys have consistently identified the cost of living as the most important issue among voters ahead of the elections for the Scottish Parliament and the Senedd. But what can the devolved governments do, within their spheres of constitutional powers, to reduce the costs of living? Do they have sufficient powers? Are the party manifestos offering solutions? Given that cost-of-living is a policy challenge that spans devolved and reserved competence, can the devolved governments and the UK government collaborate more effectively? The panel included Professor Kezia Dugdale FAcSS, Associate Director, Centre for Public Policy, University of Glasgow (chair), Professor Nicola McEwen FAcSS, Director, Centre for Public Policy, University of Glasgow, and Dr Hefin Gwilym, Lecturer in Social Policy, 成人VR视频.

    21 Apr 2026

    Links:

    Activity: Oral presentation (Speaker)

  • Sharing key findings of research with Irish musicians who have received the BIA since 2022, for a research Seminar in the Department of Music, 成人VR视频.

    25 Feb 2026

    Activity: Oral presentation (Speaker)

2025

  • 18 Aug 2025

    Links:

    Activity: Other (Contributor)

2023

  • On 26 October 2023, the Academy, in partnership with Cardiff University, co-hosted a panel discussion examining how public policy might do more to uplift the collective well-being of Wales. As part of ESRC鈥檚 2023 Festival of Social Science, the panel, chaired by Professor Chris Taylor (Cardiff University), explored issues around loneliness and isolation, including young people鈥檚 mental wellbeing, the impact of the Wellbeing of Future Generations Act in Wales, how emerging policies like Universal Basic Income (UBI) might play a role in shifting the dial on wellbeing, and what Wales鈥� business community are doing to contribute to communities.

    26 Oct 2023

    Links:

    Activity: Oral presentation (Speaker)

2022

  • Written evidence (BSW0013) was submitted to this enquiry, and subsequently the evidence was used in the writing of the report.

    17 Mar 2022

    Activity: Other (Contributor)

2021

  • Launch of Social Policy for Welfare Practice in Wales with Rt Hon Mark Drakeford. The book is co-edited by Dr Hefin Gwilym and Professor Charlotte Williams.

    22 Mar 2021

    Links:

    Activity: Other (Contributor)

2019

  • In this paper we discuss key changes in the Welsh Government鈥檚 approach to social services reflected in flagship policy documents published in 2007 and 2011, before and after the financial crisis of 2008. Changes in emphasis between these two texts reflect wider political shifts away from the simple pursuit of fiscal discipline in public services towards a more significant neoliberal reduction in their overall size and scope, a retrenchment of the welfare state. We contextualise this development in the historical advance of neoliberalism across the UK (and elsewhere) since the mid-1970s. We argue that Wales 鈥� with its historic radical and socialist tradition 鈥� has been only marginally successful in resisting this tide. We use content analysis to demonstrate these shifts of emphasis across the texts, which we argue is a useful tool in getting to grips with policy texts.

    7 Jul 2019

    Links:

    Activity: Oral presentation (Speaker)

  • Political Evidence

    2019

    Links:

    Activity: Consultancy (Consultant)

2017

  • 16 Mar 2017

    Links:

    Activity: Invited talk (Speaker)

2016

  • 2016

    Links:

    Activity: Oral presentation (Speaker)