Overview
Tim is a Research Fellow at the Centre for Geography and Environmental Science and is currently working on the Smartline project.
Career
Tim completed his BA in Geography at Swansea University in 2008 and continued his development undertaking an MSc in Rural Social Science Research (ESRC accredited) at the Centre for Rural Economy, Newcastle University. While at the Centre for Rural Economy Tim worked on research projects with the Northern Rural Network, Campaign to Protect Rural England, and Durham Rural Community Council.
Tim joined Exeter University in 2011 on an Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) funded PhD studentship as part of the South West Doctoral Training Centre (SWDTC) strategic partnership. Tim was based in the Geography department on the Cornwall campus. During this PhD he studied the risks and uncertainties of catchment management and how environmental partnerships negotiate them.
Since completing his Doctorate Tim has been working on a number of research and impact facing projects with Cornwall’s voluntary, healthcare, and digital sectors. This has included working with Volunteer Cornwall to research ways in which to improve the recruitment, training, and retention of volunteers. And working with Age UK to research and test new digital mapping solutions for the community transport sector. This work led to Tim's current position on Smartline.
Qualifications
2016: PhD titled ‘Geographies of Risk, Uncertainty and Ambiguity in Catchment Management’. Exeter University, Centre for Geography, Environment and Society
2010: MSc in Rural Social Science Research (Distinction). Newcastle University, Centre for Rural Economy
2008: BA in Geography. Swansea University
Research
Research interests
Tim is a social geographer whose research interests include digital inclusion, social innovation, volunteering, knowledge exchange, and participatory methods.
Tim is currently a researcher on the Smartline project. Smartline is a research and innovation project which is exploring how technology can improve wellbeing and supporting the growth of the eWellbeing small and medium enterprise (SME) sector in Cornwall. Tim’s research in this project focuses on digital inclusion alongside supporting SME’s to develop new digital products.
Projects/Funding
ESRC Knowledge Exchange Fellowship (2017) Impact Acceleration Account, University of Exeter: Tim secured funding for the project (total project worth £24,319) titled ‘TAP-MAPPING – enabling innovation in the community transport sector’ which was designed to realise the social and economic impact from Volunteers in Communities latest phase of action research.
Proof of Concept Award (2016) Innovation, Impact and Business, University of Exeter: Tim was granted funding (total project worth £12,688) for the project titled ‘I.MAP.CARE’ from IIB’s Open Innovation platform to investigate the potential of iGeolise Travel Time technology for the community transport sector.
ESRC IAA Knowledge Exchange Fellowship (2015 - 2016) Centre for Geography, Environment and Society, University of Exeter: Tim was embedded at Age UK Cornwall and Volunteer Cornwall in order to accelerate impact from CGES research on the recruitment, training and retention of volunteers in the health and social care sector.
UoE Graduate Placement (2014) Centre for Geography, Environment and Society, University of Exeter: The Farm and Resilience Management (FARM) project sought to understand the associated risks of climate change to biodiversity on the Lizard Peninsula and the constraints to implementing land management.
SWDTC Work Placement (2013) National Trust, Helston: Tim secured a match funded (£6000) South West Doctoral Training Centre (SWDTC) Work Placement at the National Trust. Activity focused on delivering Loe Pool Forum’s community engagement agenda.
Miller Prize (2010) Newcastle University: Tim was awarded the Miller Prize (£500) as the highest overall achieving research student, out of 205 students, on the ESRC accredited MSc research training programme.
CRE Studentship (2010) Centre for Rural Economy, Newcastle University: Awarded a post graduate studentship (£2,000) for living costs and funding for the ESRC Survey Skills Programme, completed in 2011.
Publications
Key publications | Publications by category | Publications by year
Publications by category
Journal articles
Walker T, Menneer T, Leyshon C, Leyshon M, Williams AJ, Mueller M, Taylor T (2020). Determinants of Volunteering Within a Social Housing Community.
VOLUNTAS: International Journal of Voluntary and Nonprofit OrganizationsAbstract:
Determinants of Volunteering Within a Social Housing Community
Abstract
. In general, research demonstrates that deprivation, education, health, and well-being are determinants of volunteering, and that volunteering can play an important role in building stronger communities and provides many benefits for individual health and well-being. This study concentrates on the effects of physical and mental health and well-being as predictors when the aspect of socio-economic impact has been minimised. It utilises a unique data set from a UK Housing Association community with generally high levels of deprivation. Data were analysed using bivariate probit regression. In contrast to previous findings, physical health and mental health were not significantly related to volunteering. The key finding was that mental well-being was significantly related to informal volunteering.
Abstract.
Full text.
Walker T, Esmene S, Colebrooke L, Leyshon C, Leyshon M (2020). Digital possibilities and social mission in the voluntary sector: the case of a community transport organisation in the UK.
Voluntary Sector Review,
11(1), 59-77.
Abstract:
Digital possibilities and social mission in the voluntary sector: the case of a community transport organisation in the UK
Digital technology is seen as a panacea to meeting the financial and operational challenges faced by voluntary and community sector organisations (VCSOs), through delivering efficiencies and cost-saving, alongside improving quality of service. However, according to recent assessments
in the UK, the rate of digital adoption is slow compared with other sectors. This article identifies how a VCSO in a period of austerity prioritises its social mission over functionality and efficiency gains from digital technology. Employing the heuristic of phronesis, we argue that VCSOs
seeking to implement digital innovations need to strike a balance between instrumental rationality (that is, what is possible to achieve with technology) and value rationality (that is, what is desirable to pursue by VCSOs). Our key argument is that theories of value rationality provide a
new explanation for the slow adoption of digital technology among VCSOs.
Abstract.
Full text.
Leyshon M, Leyshon C, Walker T, Fish R (2020). More than sweat equity: Young people as volunteers in conservation work.
Journal of Rural Studies Full text.
Chapters
Walker T, Leyshon C (2017). Resilience to what and for whom in landscape management. In (Ed)
Governing for Resilience in Vulnerable Places, 38-56.
Abstract:
Resilience to what and for whom in landscape management
Abstract.
Conferences
Walker T, Buckingham S, Morrissey K (In Press). The feasibility and acceptability of digital technology for health and wellbeing in social housing communities in Cornwall: a qualitative scoping study. Society for Social Medicine & Population Health 64th Annual Scientific meeting: 9-11 September 2020, virtual conference.
Abstract:
The feasibility and acceptability of digital technology for health and wellbeing in social housing communities in Cornwall: a qualitative scoping study
Abstract.
Williams A, Menneer T, Sidani M, Walker T, Maguire K, Mueller M, Paterson C, Leyshon M, Leyshon C, Seymour E, et al (2020). Using machine learning clustering techniques to support the understanding of populations and inform action. Public Health England Research and Science Conference - Application of scientific methods to improve and protect health.
Abstract:
Using machine learning clustering techniques to support the understanding of populations and inform action
Abstract.
Walker T (2019). Digitising person centred conversations: methodological and theoretical reflections. International Social Innovation Research Conference: Local Solutions to Global Challenges. 2nd Sep 2019 - 4th Sep 2020.
Abstract:
Digitising person centred conversations: methodological and theoretical reflections
Abstract.
Taylor T, Bland E, Walker T (2017). Smartline - Smart wellbeing inspired by the community. Independence Day - Maximising Technology, Driving Independence, Enjoying Life. 4th - 4th Jul 2017.
Reports
Walker T (2017).
Cober Catchment Management Plan 2017 - 2027. National Trust, https://loepoolforum.files.wordpress.com/2013/12/cober-catchment-management-review-2017-2027-plan.pdf, National Trust. 78 pages.
Abstract:
Cober Catchment Management Plan 2017 - 2027
Abstract.
Walker T (2010).
Humshaugh Community Shop: A case study of a successful community shop., Centre for Rural Economy, Newcastle University.
Abstract:
Humshaugh Community Shop: A case study of a successful community shop
Abstract.
Publications by year
In Press
Walker T, Buckingham S, Morrissey K (In Press). The feasibility and acceptability of digital technology for health and wellbeing in social housing communities in Cornwall: a qualitative scoping study. Society for Social Medicine & Population Health 64th Annual Scientific meeting: 9-11 September 2020, virtual conference.
Abstract:
The feasibility and acceptability of digital technology for health and wellbeing in social housing communities in Cornwall: a qualitative scoping study
Abstract.
2020
Walker T, Menneer T, Leyshon C, Leyshon M, Williams AJ, Mueller M, Taylor T (2020). Determinants of Volunteering Within a Social Housing Community.
VOLUNTAS: International Journal of Voluntary and Nonprofit OrganizationsAbstract:
Determinants of Volunteering Within a Social Housing Community
Abstract
. In general, research demonstrates that deprivation, education, health, and well-being are determinants of volunteering, and that volunteering can play an important role in building stronger communities and provides many benefits for individual health and well-being. This study concentrates on the effects of physical and mental health and well-being as predictors when the aspect of socio-economic impact has been minimised. It utilises a unique data set from a UK Housing Association community with generally high levels of deprivation. Data were analysed using bivariate probit regression. In contrast to previous findings, physical health and mental health were not significantly related to volunteering. The key finding was that mental well-being was significantly related to informal volunteering.
Abstract.
Full text.
Walker T, Esmene S, Colebrooke L, Leyshon C, Leyshon M (2020). Digital possibilities and social mission in the voluntary sector: the case of a community transport organisation in the UK.
Voluntary Sector Review,
11(1), 59-77.
Abstract:
Digital possibilities and social mission in the voluntary sector: the case of a community transport organisation in the UK
Digital technology is seen as a panacea to meeting the financial and operational challenges faced by voluntary and community sector organisations (VCSOs), through delivering efficiencies and cost-saving, alongside improving quality of service. However, according to recent assessments
in the UK, the rate of digital adoption is slow compared with other sectors. This article identifies how a VCSO in a period of austerity prioritises its social mission over functionality and efficiency gains from digital technology. Employing the heuristic of phronesis, we argue that VCSOs
seeking to implement digital innovations need to strike a balance between instrumental rationality (that is, what is possible to achieve with technology) and value rationality (that is, what is desirable to pursue by VCSOs). Our key argument is that theories of value rationality provide a
new explanation for the slow adoption of digital technology among VCSOs.
Abstract.
Full text.
Leyshon M, Leyshon C, Walker T, Fish R (2020). More than sweat equity: Young people as volunteers in conservation work.
Journal of Rural Studies Full text.
Williams A, Menneer T, Sidani M, Walker T, Maguire K, Mueller M, Paterson C, Leyshon M, Leyshon C, Seymour E, et al (2020). Using machine learning clustering techniques to support the understanding of populations and inform action. Public Health England Research and Science Conference - Application of scientific methods to improve and protect health.
Abstract:
Using machine learning clustering techniques to support the understanding of populations and inform action
Abstract.
2019
Walker T (2019). Digitising person centred conversations: methodological and theoretical reflections. International Social Innovation Research Conference: Local Solutions to Global Challenges. 2nd Sep 2019 - 4th Sep 2020.
Abstract:
Digitising person centred conversations: methodological and theoretical reflections
Abstract.
2017
Walker T (2017).
Cober Catchment Management Plan 2017 - 2027. National Trust, https://loepoolforum.files.wordpress.com/2013/12/cober-catchment-management-review-2017-2027-plan.pdf, National Trust. 78 pages.
Abstract:
Cober Catchment Management Plan 2017 - 2027
Abstract.
Walker T, Leyshon C (2017). Resilience to what and for whom in landscape management. In (Ed)
Governing for Resilience in Vulnerable Places, 38-56.
Abstract:
Resilience to what and for whom in landscape management
Abstract.
Taylor T, Bland E, Walker T (2017). Smartline - Smart wellbeing inspired by the community. Independence Day - Maximising Technology, Driving Independence, Enjoying Life. 4th - 4th Jul 2017.
2010
Walker T (2010).
Humshaugh Community Shop: A case study of a successful community shop., Centre for Rural Economy, Newcastle University.
Abstract:
Humshaugh Community Shop: A case study of a successful community shop
Abstract.
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