Dr Hefin Gwilym

Lecturer in Criminology and Criminal Justice; Lecturer in Social Policy

h.gwilym@bangor.ac.uk

+44 1248 382509

0000-0002-5537-0960

Dr Hefin Gwilym

View Dr Hefin Gwilym’s profile on the Bangor Research Portal

Professional Profile

Dr Hefin Gwilym SFHEA is a Lecturer in Social Policy, Criminology and Social Justice at Bangor University and a Senior Fellow of Advance HE. His research focuses on social policy, poverty, welfare reform, universal basic income, housing policy, neoliberalism and social justice.

He has an established record of research publication, doctoral supervision, public engagement and international collaboration. His work has informed policy discussions in Wales and the wider UK, particularly regarding universal basic income, welfare reform, and anti-poverty strategies. He has presented research to Welsh Government officials, at national conferences, to professional organisations, and to public audiences, including the National Eisteddfod of Wales.

He engages in public scholarship through media commentary, webinars, social media, and outreach activities to make social policy debates accessible outside academia.

Dr Gwilym has extensive experience in programme leadership, external examining, international partnership development, and doctoral supervision, and was awarded Bangor University's Dissertation and Thesis Supervisor of the Year Award in 2026.

Contact

h.gwilym@bangor.ac.uk

Career Highlights

  • Winner of Bangor Student-Led Award for Dissertation and Thesis Supervisor of the Year (2026).
  • Senior Fellow of Advance HE (2025).
  • Editor of Social Policy for Welfare Practice in Wales (Vol. 3).
  • Chartered Institute of Housing recognition for Housing Policy module SXP-3210.
  • Lead supervisor for multiple PhD researchers across social policy and sociology.
  • Contributor to Welsh Government policy discussions on poverty, universal basic income and cultural policy.
  • Leader in Erasmus+, international mobility and collaborative teaching initiatives.

Academic Appointments

Bangor University

Lecturer in Social Policy, Criminology and Social Justice

2012-Present

Lecturer within the North Wales School of Law and associated social sciences disciplines.

Teaching, supervision and research interests include:

  • Social Policy
  • Housing Policy
  • Welfare Reform
  • Universal Basic Income
  • Poverty and Inequality
  • Social Justice
  • Criminology
  • Public Policy

Research Interests

Dr Gwilym's research focuses on:

  • Universal Basic Income
  • Welfare Reform
  • Poverty and Food Insecurity
  • Housing Policy
  • Neoliberalism
  • Political Identity
  • Social Justice
  • Social Work Policy
  • Arts and Cultural Policy
  • Comparative International Social Policy

His recent work has explored:

  • Basic Income for the Arts in Ireland and Wales
  • Food poverty and austerity
  • Labour market precarity
  • Political dimensions of social work
  • Poverty reduction strategies in Africa
  • Welfare governance in devolved nations

Research Impact and Public Engagement

Dr Gwilym regularly contributes research expertise to policy, professional and public audiences.

Recent activities include:

  • Round-table discussion with the Deputy Minister for Social Care, Delyth Jewell, on a new narrative for social care in Wales.
  • High-level policy discussions with senior Welsh Government officials on anti-poverty and economic policy.
  • Presentations to Welsh Government on Basic Income for the Arts and cultural policy reform.
  • Presentations at the National Eisteddfod of Wales on lessons from Ireland's Basic Income for the Arts scheme.
  • Contributions to WISERD conferences, the Social Policy Association and the Academy of Social Sciences.
  • Participated in panel discussion on What Can the Devolved Governments Do to Address the Cost-of-Living Crisis? University of Glasgow/Academy of Social Sciences, Centre for Public Policy Webinar
  • Articles published through The Conversation reaching wider public audiences.

Doctoral Supervision

Current PhD Supervision (Lead Supervisor)

  • Pretty Karibo: Transnational organisations and influence in Nigeria.
  • Stella Gabuljah: Universal Basic Income in Africa.
  • Blessing Uzairue: Welfare provision in Nigeria.
  • Qixian Zhang: The UK housing crisis.
  • Lipika Khatun: Child exploitation and poverty in Dhaka.
  • Fatimah Abdulrahman H Alqarni: Women's rights in Saudi Arabia.

Current PhD Supervision (Second Supervisor)

  • Laura Lynch: Experiences of dyslexia in Wales.

Completed Doctorates

Lead Supervisor

  • David Beck: The changing face of food poverty.

Second Supervisor

  • Marc Lewis: Integrated transport and social welfare in Wales.
  • Rhian Lloyd: The carers' empowerment model.

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

  

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

2025

2024

2023

2022

2021

  • PublishedBenefits system in Wales Evidence Welsh Select Committee
    Closs-Davies, S., Gwilym, H. & Beck, D., 16 Sept 2021
    Research output: Other contribution
  • PublishedEditors’ Introduction
    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 › Chapter › peer-review
  • PublishedSocial Policy for Welfare Practice in Wales
    Gwilym, H. (Editor) & Williams OBE, C. (Editor), 22 Mar 2021, 3rd ed. Birmingham: The British Association of Social Workers. .
    Research output: Book/Report › Book › peer-review
  • PublishedWales 20 Years On: The Record and New Goals
    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 › Chapter › peer-review

2020

  • PublishedThe moral maze of foodbank use
    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 › Article › peer-review

2019

2018

2017

2016

2015

2012

2011

2007

2004

2026

  • Social Care Narrative and Sustainability in Wales with Deputy Minister, Delyth Jewell

    I had the opportunity to participate in a roundtable discussion with Delyth Jewell, Deputy Minister for Social Care, Mental Health and Women's Health, focusing on the future of adult social care in Wales. The discussion explored how we can improve public awareness, understanding and perceptions of social care, helping to shape a stronger national conversation about its importance and value.

    The session also considered the long-term sustainability of adult social care and the vital role it plays in supporting individuals, families and communities across Wales. It was encouraging to hear a range of perspectives from across the sector and to contribute to an important dialogue on strengthening social care for the future.

    I had the opportunity to contribute to a discussion on the challenge of reducing hospital waiting lists in Wales. I suggested that the Welsh Government consider a temporary emergency policy to support and financially reward family members, extended family, friends, and neighbours willing to accommodate patients who no longer need to remain in hospital. I highlighted the importance of the human rights of those waiting for treatment and argued that innovative, people-centred solutions are needed to help address the current crisis until waiting times return to acceptable levels.

    I also noted that valuable new ideas and evidence are likely to emerge from the Casey Independent Commission into Social Care in England.

    10 Sep 2026

    Activity: Types of Business and Community - Membership of public/government advisory/policy group or panel (Contributor)
  • Meeting with Senior Welsh Government Civil Servants

    Dr Hefin Gwilym and Dr David Beck recently participated in a high-level policy discussion with more than 20 senior Welsh Government Heads of Department. Representatives from a range of departments attended, including Finance, Procurement and Anti-Poverty, reflecting the breadth of policy interests represented in the conversation.

    The discussion covered a wide range of contemporary social policy issues facing Wales. Topics ranged from the potential development of a targeted Basic Income for the Arts to broader public policy challenges, including strategies to reduce NHS waiting times and address social and economic inequalities.

    Rather than a formal presentation, the meeting was conducted as an open and collaborative conversation under Chatham House Rules, enabling participants to exchange ideas, experiences and perspectives candidly. The discussion provided an opportunity to explore innovative policy approaches and to strengthen links between academic research and policy development within the Welsh Government.

    The engagement forms part of Bangor University's ongoing commitment to knowledge exchange and its contribution to informing public policy debates in Wales.

    13 Aug 2026

    Activity: Types of Business and Community - Membership of public/government advisory/policy group or panel (Contributor)
  • Response to the Welsh Government Consultation on the Future of Arts, Culture and Sport in Wales

    Response to the Welsh Government's consultation on arts, culture and sport

    6 Aug 2026

    Activity: Types of Business and Community - Membership of public/government advisory/policy group or panel (Contributor)
  • Ailddychmygu Polisi Diwylliannol i Gymru: Beth allwn ni ei ddysgu o Iwerddon? / Re-imagining Cultural Policy for Wales: What Can We Learn from Ireland?

    Roedd yn wych gweld ymateb mor gadarnhaol i gyflwyniad Dr Hefin Gwilym, “Ail-ddychmygu Polisi Diwylliannol yng Nghymru: Beth Allwn Ni ei Ddysgu o Iwerddon?” 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’s presentation, “Re-imagining Cultural Policy in Wales: What Can We Learn from Ireland?” 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)
  • Ireland’s Basic Income for the Arts: Messages for Wales?

    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)
  • Trustee of Citizens Advice Anglesey / Ymddiriedolwr Cyngor ar Bopeth Ynys Môn

    28 May 2026 – 28 May 2029

    Links:

    Activity: Types of Business and Community - Membership of public/government advisory/policy group or panel (Contributor)
  • BBC Radio Cymru Dros Frecwast

    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)
  • Dissertation or Thesis Supervisor of the Year 2026

    Bangor University Student-Led Awards

    6 May 2026

    Activity: Other (Contributor)
  • The Irish Basic Income for Artists (BIA) and EDM Artists: Is BIA a Credible Way Forward in Wales?

    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)
  • What Can Devolved Governments Do to Address the Cost-of-Living Crisis?

    As part of the Campaign for Social Science’s 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, Bangor University.

    21 Apr 2026

    Links:

    Activity: Oral presentation (Speaker)
  • The Basic Income for the Arts in Ireland

    Sharing key findings of research with Irish musicians who have received the BIA since 2022, for a research Seminar in the Department of Music, Bangor University.

    25 Feb 2026

    Activity: Oral presentation (Speaker)

2025

2023

  • Celebrating Lifelong Well-being in Wales

    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’s 2023 Festival of Social Science, the panel, chaired by Professor Chris Taylor (Cardiff University), explored issues around loneliness and isolation, including young people’s 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’ business community are doing to contribute to communities.

    26 Oct 2023

    Links:

    Activity: Oral presentation (Speaker)

2022

2021

2019

2017

2016