Professor Stephen Morris

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Professor Stephen Morris

Professor of Evaluation

Policy Evaluation and Research Unit and Institute for Children's Futures

My profile

Biography

Stephen is Professor of Evaluation at Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU) (since February 2016). With a career spanning over 25 years, Stephen has held senior positions at NatCen Social Research, the Policy Studies Institute and the UK Civil Service, where he has worked on a wide range of applied quantitative and mixed method social science research projects, specialising in programme evaluations and intervention studies. Stephen’s interests lie in the understanding and application of methods of causal inference particularly as they relate to the evaluation of social programmes and interventions in education, social care, labour markets, and crime and justice.  Stephen was a pioneer in the use of randomised trials in social policy in the UK and authored the government’s influential Magenta Book.  Stephen has designed and led on a number of high-profile national evaluation studies. Stephen is a member of the UK Government Trial Advice Panel, a member of the editorial board for the journal Sociological Research Online, a peer reviewer for the journal BMC Trials, a member of the Evaluation Advisory Group of the What Works Centre for Children’s Social Care, A member of the Youth Futures Foundation Evaluation Advisory Group, the Youth Endowment Foundation Grants and Evaluation Committee, Honorary Fellow of the Institute for Employment Studies and a member of the Education Endowment Foundation’s peer reviewer group.  Stephen regularly undertakes consultancy work in programme evaluation for both UK and international organisations

Interests and expertise

Other positions 

Get in touch

0161 247 3025
Geoffrey Manton Building

Projects

  1. Longitudinal Educational Achievements: Reducing iNequalities, European Commission, led by Professor Gary Pollock, April 2024, £530,558.54, [Co-PI]
  2. Evaluation of Reading Plus in English Primary Schools, Education Endowment Foundation, with Steph Ainsworth and Cathy Lewin, November 2023, £549,649 [Co-PI]
  3. Evaluation of Primary Science Quality Mark in English Primary Schools, Education Endowment Foundation, with Will Cook and Cathy Lewin, November 2023, £491,637, [Co-PI]
  4. Advice and consultancy – MoJ offender rehabilitation evaluations, Ministry of Justice, with Professor Chris Fox, October 2023, £8,600 [PI]
  5. South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust – evaluation of Being a Parent and Positive Leisure and Sport (pilot and efficacy trials), Youth Endowment Fund, with Kevin Wong and Paul Gray, May 2022, £226,271 [Co-PI] 
  6. Evaluation of PALS-UK in English Primary Schools, Education Endowment Foundation, with Cathy Lewin and Steph Ainsworth, November 2021, £385,284 [Co-PI]
  7. Evaluation of everyone-in social investment pilot, Big Society Capital, part of consortium led by Professor Chris Fox with Professor Kevin Albertson, Professor Suzanne Fitzpatrick, Professor Ken Gibb and Guillermo Rodriguez-Guzman, November 2021, £649,753, [Co-PI]
  8. Evaluation of the Empowering Parents and Professionals Using Video Interaction Guidance (VIG) programme (Babies1st) – What Works for Children’s Social Care (WWCSC), with Lorna Adams (IFF Research), Siv Svanaes (IFF Research) and Andrew Smith, March 2021, £178,573, [PI] 
  9. Evaluation of ‘We can talk about domestic abuse – Wirral (MBC), What Works for Children’s Social Care (WWCSC), with Chris Fox and Jessica Ozan, December 2020, £83,938.43, [Co-PI]
  10. The effect of using grades as an outcome variable in evaluation, Education Endowment Foundation, with Ben Smith (AlphaPlus Consultancy), February 2020, £9,781, [PI]
  11. Targeted high-risk interventions– for young people at risk of crime and youth violence, Youth Endowment Foundation, with Kevin Wong and Paul Gray, August 2019, £190,000, [Co-PI]
  12. Sports-Based Projects – for young people at risk of crime and youth violence, Youth Endowment Foundation, with Kevin Wong and Paul Gray, August 2019, £156,981.49, [Co-PI]
  13. Evaluation of the Whole School SEND pilot, with Cathy Lewin, Education Endowment Foundation, June 2019, £510,787.94, [Co-PI]
  14. Trial Design & Evaluation Lead Smart Energy Savings (SENS) Competition, with Ipsos MORI, Energy Saving Trust, University of Edinburgh, March 2019, £16,750, [PI]
  15. Safer Place to Staff impact evaluation feasibility study, Ministry of Housing Communities and Local Government, March 2019, £10,000, [PI]
  16. Evaluation of Taking Teaching Further, with IFF Research, Department of Education, March 2019, £24,400, [PI]
  17. Evaluation of the Greater Manchester Integrated Police Custody Healthcare and Wider Liaison and Diversion Scheme, with Kevin Wong, April 2018, £49,999, [PI]
  18. Evaluation of SOLO Taxonomy, with Alpha Plus Consultancy, Education Endowment Foundation, March 2018, £4,000, [PI]
  19. Evaluating Diagnostic Questions, Education Endowment Foundation, with Jenny Smith and Katherine Seymour (Alpha Plus Consulting), November 2017, £58,260, [PI]
  20. Advice and consultancy to Stockport Council – Community Development Fund evaluation design, £5,000. [PI]
  21. Evaluation of Early Years Education in England (now known as the Study of Early Education and Development or SEED), December 2012 (with Dr Jane O’Brien, Professor Ted Melhuish, Ruth Maisey, Matthew Bell and Sue Robb) £4,981,267 [Co-PI]
  22. Evaluating mandatory maths and English training for young jobseekers: 18-21 Work Skills Pilot, Department for Business Innovation and Skills, £715,195, August 2014, with Becci Newton, Stefan Speckesser, Rosie Gloster, Jim Hillage, Triin Edovald, Andrew Boyle and Jenny Smith
  23. Evaluation of the Innovation Pilots, Department for Work and Pensions, May 2012 (with Sara Kitchen and Jane O’Brien) £570,000
  24. Evaluation of Growth Voucher Programme, Department for Business Innovation and Skills, £568,935 January 2014,  with Lorna Adams (IFF Research) and Kirby Swales
  25. Food Hygiene Rating Scheme/Food Hygiene Information Scheme Evaluation, Food Standards Agency, September 2011, £468,555
  26. Evaluation of Baby Express in Greater Manchester (Cluster Randomised Trial) Economic and Social Research Council/Early Intervention Foundation, £417,000, June 2014, with Dr Triin Edovald and Dr Emily Tanner
  27. Evaluation of Learning Unlimited Family Skills programme, Education Endowment Foundation, £257,869, January 2016, with Martina Vojtkova
  28. Evaluation of National Citizens Service, Autumn and Summer 2012, September 2012 (with Gareth Morrell, Liz Clery and Tris Lumley) £240,000
  29. Testing the impact of high-quality music instruction on cognitive skills and academic attainment, Education Endowment Foundation, with Emily Tanner, January 2013, £150,579
  30. Evaluation of the Association of British Bookmakers’ Code of Responsibility, Association of British Bookmakers, £128,508, March 2014, with Fatima Husain, Heather Wardle & David Excell
  31. Prison Democratic Therapeutic Communities (DTCs): Proposal for Outcomes Study, Ministry of Justice, £118,000, July 2014, with Dr Sergio Salis and Caroline Turley
  32. Help and Support for Separated Families: Evaluation Scoping Study & Implementation Study, Department for Work and Pensions, March 2013, £94,442, with Amy Skipp, Sarah Kitchen and Fatima Husain (9 months)
  33. Progression to Work Pathfinder Evaluation Development Phase, Department for Work and Pensions, October 2009, £90,063
  34. Formative Evaluation of the Introduction of Health and Wellbeing Check for Over 50s, Welsh Government, October 2013, £90,000, with Fatima Husain, Andrew Phelps, Kim Vowden (NatCen) Rosemary Maguire and Andrew Rix
  35. Evaluation of the DECC heating controls advice trial, Department for Energy and Climate Change, June 2013, £79,983, with Gareth Morrell and Lauren Kharn
  36. Transforming Lives: Reducing Women’s Imprisonment: Evaluation of the 2015-18 programme, Prison Reform Trust, February 2016, £79,153, with Caroline Paskell and Ashley Brown
  37. Integrated care pilot evaluation, Marie Curie, November 2013, £69,930, with Nico Jabin, Fatima Husain
  38. Provision of an Evaluation Advisory Study, Food Standards Agency, November 2009, £69,295
  39. Provision of the Second Wave of the Food and You Survey 2011-12, Food Standards Agency, September 2011 with TNS/BMRB, £65,592 
  40. Provision of support to Expert Hearing on Member State experience on using control groups in ESF evaluations and its follow-up, including the preparation of practical guidance for Member State Authorities, EC Employment and Social Affairs Directorate, October 2011, €59,170
  41. Development Strategy – Evaluation of the Employment and Support Pilots, Department for Work and Pensions, January 2010, £43,170
  42. Feasibility Study to Develop a Robust Evaluation of Prison-Based Democratic Therapeutic Communities (DTCs), Ministry of Justice (with Caroline Turley and Haris Irshad) £39,890
  43. Greater Manchester Business Growth Hub RCT feasibility study, NESTA, Innovation and Growth Lab (with David Morris and Martina Vojtkova), March 2016, £36, 557
  44. Feasibility Study to Develop an Evaluation Design for the NEETs JCP Pilot, Department for Work and Pensions, £36,500, February 2014, with Triin Edovald
  45. Scoping Study on Attitudes and Behaviours Towards Food, Food Standards Agency, April 2009, £28,875
  46. Online Financial Health Check Evaluation, Money Advice Service (part of the Financial Services Authority), July 2011, £26,992 (with IFF Research)
  47. Pre tendering design advice for the Gregg Pathfinders, Department for Work and Pensions, March 2009, £24,000
  48. Evaluation of ESF Troubled Families Feasibility Research, Department for Work and Pensions, April 2012, £20,000
  49. Provision of an Attitudes and Behaviour Survey, Food Standards Agency, June 2009, (with TNS-BMRB Social Research), £18,465 (for secondary analysis of survey data and design advice only) 
  50. Developing a Jobseekers Classificatory Instrument for the UK – Provision of Advice and Consultancy, Department for Work and Pensions, March 2010, £15,000
  51. Expert Advice on an RCT Design for 2010 Drug Pilot, Department for Work and Pensions, March 2009, £12,220
  52. Expert advice on the design of a hypothetical randomised control trial on smarter heating controls, Department for Energy and Climate Change, October 2013, £9,950, with Gareth Morrell, BSRIA, EST and University of Plymouth
  53. Support Services for Social Policy Experimentation in the EU, with JPAL Paris, NESTA, NIESR and London School of Economics, January 2013, £6,500
  54. Provision of Statistical Consultancy Services, Consumer Financial Education Body, March 2011, £4,620 
  55. Innovation Fund Pilot: Development Work, Department for Work and Pensions, ,January 2012, £4,375
  56. Contract for consultancy services: Scores on the Doors Evaluation: peer review of data, Food Standards Agency, June 2010, £3,900
  57. Research design considerations – the Front of Pack Labelling scheme, Food Standards Agency, February 2010, £3,540 
  58. NSPCC Homebuilders evaluation planning, National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, March 2011, £2,400
  59. Peer review of Fit for Work Evaluation Feasibility Study, Department for Work and Pensions, August 2009, £1,295

Teaching

Postgraduate teaching

Evaluation using quantitative methods: MSc Applied Quantitative Methods

Mixed method reseach: MSc Applied Quantitative Methods

Subject areas

Programme and policy evaluation methods, social science research design and methodology with an emphasis on quantitative methods

Supervision

Gail Mann (In progress) Beyond realist evaluation? Exploring agency and reflexivity in relation-based interventions

Andrew Smith (In progress) The generalisability of the findings of Randomised Controlled Trials in education: assessing the state of the art and signposting future directions.

Research outputs

Peer Reviewed Journal articles

  1. Smith, B and Morris, S. P. and Armitage, H. (2022) Using pupils’ grade obtained in national examinations as an outcome measure in evaluations: Some considerations for the design of randomised controlled trials, Research Papers in Education, https://doi.org/10.1080/02671522.2022.2065522
    https://www.tes.com/magazine/news/primary/working-pairs-boosts-year-5-r…
  2. Morris, S., Smith, A., Lewin, C., Hick, P. and Harrison, J. (2021) Whole School SEND (WSS) Review: study protocol for a two-arm pragmatic parallel cluster randomised controlled trial in 160 English secondary schools, Trials, 22, page 333-352
    https://doi.org/10.1186/s13063-021-05280-y
  3. Fox, C. and Morris, S. (2021) Evaluating outcome-based payment programmes: challenges for evidence-based policy, Journal of Economic Policy Reform, 24(1), pages 61-77, (published online 2/2/2019) https://doi.org/10.1080/17487870.2019.1575217
  4. Morris, S., Smith, A., & Fox, C. (2020). Time to reset the clock on the design of impact evaluations in criminology: The case for multi-methodology designs. British Journal of Community Justice.
    http://mmuperu.co.uk/bjcj/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2020/09/BJCJ_Morris_Smith_Fox_2020.pdf
  5. Van Hooff, J. and Morris, S. P. (2020) Sexual wellbeing and social class in Britain: an analysis of nationally representative survey data, Sociological Research Online, 1-21pp (published online 17/06/2020)
    http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/1360780420925489
  6. Morris, S. P., Wishart, R., Husain, F., Marshall, L. and Vojtkova, M. (2019) Evaluating the effectiveness of a family literacy programme on the attainment of children with English as an additional language – a Cluster Randomised Controlled Trial, Educational Research, 61(4) pages 408-424 (published online 3/9/2019)
    http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/00131881.2019.1657779 
  7. Morris, S., Seymour, K and Limmer, H (2019) Research protocol: Evaluating the impact of Eedi formative assessment online platform (formerly Diagnostic Questions or DQ) on attainment in mathematics at GCSE and teacher workload, International Journal of Educational Research. 93, 188-196. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijer.2018.11.007
  8. Davies, P., Morris, S., & Fox, C. (2018). The evaluation market and its industry in England. In S. B. Nielsen, S. Lemire, & C. A. Christie (Eds.), The Evaluation Marketplace: Exploring the Evaluation Industry. New Directions for Evaluation, 160, 29–43. https://doi.org/10.1002/ev.20347
  9. Morris, S. P., Edovald, T., Lloyd, C. and Kiss, Z. (2016): The importance of specifying and studying causal mechanisms in school-based randomized controlled trials: lessons from two studies of cross-age peer tutoring, Educational Research and Evaluation, 22(7-8), 422-439
    https://doi.org/10.1080/13803611.2016.1259113
  10. Votjkova, M., Morris, S. P., Cara, O. and Marshall, L. (2016) Research Protocol:  A cluster randomised controlled trial to evaluate the Family SKILLS programme for reception year students from families in which English is an additional language, International Journal of Educational Research, 80, 101–110. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijer.2016.10.003
  11. Morris, S. (2007) Mother’s child support arrangements: a comparison of routes through which mothers obtain award for maintenance in Britain, Journal of Poverty and Social Justice, 15(1), 17-31.
  12. Greenberg, D. H. and Morris, S. (2005) Large scale social experimentation in Britain: what can and cannot be learnt from the Employment Retention and Advancement Demonstration project, Evaluation:The International Journal of Theory, Research and Practice, 11(2), pages 223-242. https://doi.org/10.1177/1356389005055529
  13. Beerten. R, Richardson, I. and Morris, S. (2000) Rapid turn-around telephone interviewing with businesses, Survey Methodology Bulletin, 47, July. 
  14. Heather, P., Rick, J., Atkinson, J. and Morris, S. (1996) Employers’ use of temporary workers, Labour Market Trends, 104(9), 403-412.
  15. Pearson, R. and Morris, S. (1996) Staff room reports, New Economy, 3, 214-218.

Peer reviewed published reports and analysis plans

  1. Lewin, C., Morris, S., Ainsworth, S., Gellen, S. and Wicker, K. (2024) Peer assisted learning strategies – UK (PALS-UK): A whole class reading approach – Evaluation Report, London: Education Endowment Foundation
    https://d2tic4wvo1iusb.cloudfront.net/production/documents/projects/PALS_report_final.pdf?v=1729068748
  2. Wong, K., Morris, S., Wallace, S., Roberts, A., Gray, P. and Burchell, E. (2023) Empire Fighting Chance: Boxing based mentoring, Feasibility and pilot trial report, London: Youth Endowment Fund
    https://youthendowmentfund.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/EFC.-YEF-Feasibility-and-Pilot-Study.-2023.pdf
  3. Wong, K., Morris, S., Wallace, S., Roberts, A., Gray, P. and Burchell, E. (2023), Rugby Football League – Inspiring Futures Educate Mentoring Programme, Feasibility and pilot trial report, , London: Youth Endowment Fund
    https://youthendowmentfund.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/RFL.-YEF-Feasibility-and-Pilot-Study-2023.pdf
  4. Gellen, S. and Morris, S. (2023) Evaluation of the Peer Assisted Learning Strategies for Reading UK (PALS-UK) intervention, a two-armed cluster randomised trial: Statistical Analysis Plan, London: Education Endowment Foundation
    https://d2tic4wvo1iusb.cloudfront.net/documents/projects/PALS-UK-Statistical-Analysis-Plan.pdf?v=1683118618
  5. Morris, S., Lewin, C., Hick, P. and Smith, A. (2021) Evaluation of Whole School SEND Review: A cluster randomised controlled trial - Statistical Analysis Plan, London: Education Endowment Foundation
    https://d2tic4wvo1iusb.cloudfront.net/documents/projects/WSS-Review-SAP-2022.03.02.pdf?v=1667745687
  6. Boyle, A., Seymour, K., Limmer, H., Morris, S., Kiss, Z. and Smith A., (2021) EEDI evaluation report, December, London: Education Endowment Foundation.
    https://d2tic4wvo1iusb.cloudfront.net/documents/pages/projects/Eedi-report-final.pdf?v=1639679990
  7. Morris, S. P., Smith, A., & Kiss, Z. (2018). Statistical Analysis Plan Evaluating the effectiveness of Eedi formative assessment programme (previously Diagnostic Questions) on raising attainment in mathematics at GCSE. London, Education Endowment Foundation. Retrieved from https://educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/public/files/Projects/EEDI_SAP_2018.11.29_FINAL.pdf; and
    https://educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/public/files/Projects/EEF_QED_revised_SAP_Eedi_trial_November_2020.pdf
  8. Husain, F., Wishart, R., Marshall, L., Frankenberg, S., Bussard, L., Chidley, S., Hudson, R., Votjkova, M and Morris, S. (2018) Family Skills Evaluation report and executive summary, Report to the Education Endowment Foundation. NatCen Social Research.
    https://educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/projects-and-evaluation/pro…
  9. Melhuish, E., Gardiner, J., & Morris, S. (2017a). Study of Early Education and Development (SEED): Impact Study on Early Education Use and Child Outcomes up to age 3 years: Technical Annex to the Main Report. DFE-TR706London: Department for Education. ISBN 978-1-78105-784-1,
    https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/627124/SEED_Impact_at_age_3_Technical_Report.pdf
  10. Melhuish, E., Gardiner, J., & Morris, S. (2017b). Study of Early Education and Development (SEED): Impact Study on Early Education Use and Child Outcomes up to Age Three: Research brief. DFE RR 706, London: Department for Education. ISBN 978-1-78105-785-8
    https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/627108/SEED_Impact_at_age_3_Research_Brief.pdf
  11. Melhuish, E., Gardiner, J., & Morris, S. (2017c). Study of Early Education and Development (SEED): Impact Study on Early Education Use and Child Outcomes up to age three: Research report. London: Department for Education. ISBN 978-1-78105-783-4
    https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/627098/SEED_ECEC_impact_at_age_3.pdf
  12. Lloyd, C., Edovald, T., Kiss, Z., Morris, S., Skipp, A., & Ahmed. H. (2015) Paired Reading Evaluation Report and Executive Summary, Report to the Education Endowment Foundation. NatCen Social Research.
    https://d2tic4wvo1iusb.cloudfront.net/documents/projects/Peer_Tutoring_in_Secondary_Schools.pdf?v=1667766266
  13. Lloyd, C., Morris, S., Edovald, T., Skipp, A., Kiss, Z., & Haywood, S. (2015) Durham Shared Maths Project. Evaluation report and executive summary. Report to the Education Endowment Foundation. NatCen Social Research
    https://d2tic4wvo1iusb.cloudfront.net/documents/projects/Shared_Maths.p…
  14. Haywood, S., Griggs, J., Lloyd, C., Morris, S., Kiss, Z. and Skipp, A. (2015) Creative Futures: Act, Sing, Play. Evaluation report and executive summary. Report to the Education Endowment Foundation. NatCen Social Research
    https://d2tic4wvo1iusb.cloudfront.net/documents/projects/EEF_Project_Report_ActSingPlay.pdf?v=1667681024
  15. Greenberg, D. H. and Morris, S. (2003), Large Scale Social Experimentation in Britain: What Can and Cannot be Learnt from the Employment Retention and Advancement demonstration, Strategy Unit Occasional Paper No. 3(London: Cabinet Office).
  16. Morris, S., Greenberg, D., Mittra, B., Riccio, J., Green, H., Lissenburgh, S. and Blundell, R. (2003) Designing a Demonstration Project – The United Kingdom Employment, Retention and Advancement Demonstration, Strategy Unit Occasional Paper No. 1(London: Cabinet Office).

Commissioned research reports, protocols, book chapters and monographs

  1. Gellen, S., Wicker, K., Ainsworth, S., Morris, S. and Lewin, C. (2024) Using the DreamBox Reading Plus adaptive literacy intervention to improve reading attainment, a two-armed cluster randomised trial Evaluation Protocol, London: Education Endowment Foundation
    https://url.uk.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/oklrCkwRJi8oAXDf2A89g?domain=d2tic4wvo1iusb.cloudfront.net
  2. Morris, S. (2022) Understanding the impact of Taking Teaching Further: A feasibility study, DFE- RR1249, London: Department for Education. ISBN: 978-1-83870-382-0 
    https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1119060/Taking_Teaching_Further_-_impact_evaluation_feasibility_study.pdf
  3. Ainsworth, S., Gellen, S., Lewin, C and Morris, S. (2022) Evaluation Protocol: Evaluation of the Peer Assisted Learning Strategies for Reading UK (PALS-UK) intervention, a two-armed cluster randomised trial, London: Education Endowment Foundation
    https://d2tic4wvo1iusb.cloudfront.net/documents/projects/PALSUK_Protocol_v1_20221114.pdf?v=1668415363
  4. Ozan, J., Gellen, S., Fox, C., Morris, S. and Cargill, R (2022) We can talk about domestic abuse: Pilot evaluation report, November, London: What Works for Children’s Social Care
    https://whatworks-csc.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/WWCSC_OFR1_WCTADA_Nov_2022.pdf
  5. Fox, C., Gellen, S., Morris, S., Ozan, J. and Crockford, J. (2022) Impact evaluation with small cohorts: Methodology guidance, June, London: TASO
    https://s33320.pcdn.co/wp-content/uploads/TASO_-Report_Impact-evaluation-with-small-cohorts_methodology-guidance_Secured.pdf
  6. Kiss, Z., Morris, S and Stefanelli, A (2022) Assessment of changes to the membership of mathematics classes across Years 9, 10 and 11: Project report Education Endowment Foundation, EEF Research Paper
    https://d2tic4wvo1iusb.cloudfront.net/documents/pages/Assessing-Class-Moves.pdf?v=1645727419
  7. Adams, L., Morris, S., Savanes, S., Beninger, K., Smith, A., Gellen, S and Jones, H. (2021) Trial evalution protocol: Evaluation of empowering parents and professionals using Video Interactive Guidance (VIG) programme (Babies 1st), What Works Centre for Children’s Social Care, August
    https://whatworks-csc.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/VIG-Evaluation-Protocol-Final-IFF-Research-Manchester-Metropolitan-University.docx.pdf
  8. Smith, B., Morris, S. and Armitage, H. (2021) The effects of using examination grade as a primary outcome in education trials to evaluate school-based interventions, Education Endowment Foundation, EEF Research Paper, July
    https://educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/public/files/Publications/The_effects_of_using_examination_grade_as_a_primary_outcome_in_education_trials.pdf
  9. Cook, W., Shaw, B. and Morris, S. (2020) Disadvantage in early secondary school, Nuffield Foundation
    https://www.nuffieldfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Disadvantage-in-early-secondary-Report.pdf
  10. Morris, S., Lewin, C., Hick, P., Smith, A., & Harrison, J. (2020). Evaluation of Whole School SEND Review: A cluster randomised controlled trial Evaluation Protocol. London. Retrieved from https://educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/public/files/Projects/Evaluation_Protocols/EEF_Whole_School_SEND_Protocol_-_Amended.pdf
  11. Wong, K., Morris, S., Lowthian, J., Traynor, P. and Szifris, K (2020) The Impact Inside: Evaluating the role of the Koestler Arts Awards on prisons and prisoners, Manchester, Manchester Metropolitan University, Policy Evaluation and Research Unit
    http://mmuperu.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/The_impact_inside_report_Final_20_06_03.pdf
  12. Boyle, A., Limmer, H., Seymour, K., Smith, B., & Morris, S. (2020). Deeper Thinking: Pilot Report. London: Education Endowment Foundation. Retrieved from https://educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/projects-and-evaluation/pro…
  13. Smith, B., Boyle, A., & Morris, S. P. (2020). GCSE science as an outcome measure: the capacity of the Deeper Thinking intervention to improve GCSE science grades. London. 
    https://d2tic4wvo1iusb.cloudfront.net/production/documents/pages/GCSE_S…
  14. Fox, C. and Morris, S. (2020), Evaluation Research, in Ritzer, G & Roje, C. (eds), The Blackwell Encyclopaedia of Sociology, 2nd Edition, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
    https://doi.org/10.1002/9781405165518.wbeos1579
  15. Lewin, C., Smith, A., Morris, S., & Craig, E. (2019). Using Digital Technology to Improve Learning: Evidence Review. London: Education Endowment Foundation
    https://educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/public/files/Using_Digital_Technology_to_Improve_learning_Evidence_Review.pdf
  16. Szifris, K., Morris, S., Traynor, P. and Bailey, G. (2018) Functional Skills in Prison (Randomised Controlled Trial) - A Pilot Study, Manchester, Manchester Metropolitan University, Policy Evaluation and Research Unit
    https://doi.org/10.13140/RG.2.2.23815.55205
  17. Seymour, K., & Morris, S. P. (2018). Trial Evaluation Protocol: Evaluating the effectiveness of Eedi (previously Diagnostic Questions) formative assessment programme. London: Education Endowment Foundation. Retrieved from: https://d2tic4wvo1iusb.cloudfront.net/documents/projects/EEDI_Protocol_2018.05.02_FINAL.pdf?v=1667763046
  18. Salis, S., Wardle, H., Morris, S. and Excell, D. (2015) ABB Code for Responsible Gambling and Player Protection: Evaluation of early impact among machine gamblers, A report prepared for the Responsible Gambling Trust.
    https://e-space.mmu.ac.uk/618915/
  19. Salis, S., Nico, J. and Morris, S. (2015) Evaluation of the impact of the Food Hygiene Rating Scheme and the Food Hygiene Information Scheme on food hygiene standards and food-borne illnesses: Final report, March, London: Food Standards Agency
    https://e-space.mmu.ac.uk/618918/1/fhrs-fhis-eval2011-14foodborne.pdf
  20. Morrell, G. Clery L., Morris, S. Finnegan, J., Brown, A., Kotecha, H., Sadro F., Lee, L., Kunz, S., Beninger, K., King, E., Jackson, L., Roberts, L., Lumley, T., Pritchard, D., Surgay, G. and Bell, M. (2013) Evaluation of National Citizen Service: Findings from the evaluations of the 2012 summer and autumn NCS programmes, London: UK Cabinet Office, Office for Civil Society
    http://natcen.ac.uk/media/205475/ncs_evaluation_report_2012_combined.pdf
  21. Morris, S., Todtling-Schonhofer, H. and Wiseman, M. (2013) The design and commissioning of counterfactual impact evaluations: A practical guide for managing authorities, Brussels, DG-EMPL, European Commission.
    https://publications.europa.eu/en/publication-detail/-/publication/f879a9c1-4e50-4a7b-954c-9a88d1be369c/language-en
    A new edition of this report was published in 2021 (page 1 for acknowledgement of my contribution) and can be found here:
    https://ec.europa.eu/social/main.jsp?catId=738&langId=en&pubId=8426&furtherPubs=yes
  22. Morris, S (2012) Evaluation of ESF/DWP families with multiple problems/troubled families initiative: A feasibility study, Department for Work and Pensions Research Report 816, London: Department of Work and Pensions
    http://research.dwp.gov.uk/asd/asd5/rports2011-2012/rrep816.pdf
  23. Adams, L and Morris, S (2012) Research Report: Health Check Evaluation, IFF Research and Money Advice Service
  24. Prior, G., Hall, L., Morris, S. and Draper, A. (2011a) Exploring food attitudes and behaviours in the UK: Findings from the Food and You Survey 2010 - Technical report, March, London: Food Standards Agency.
    https://www.food.gov.uk/sites/default/files/media/document/food-and-you-2010-technical-report_0.pdf
  25. Prior, G., Hall, L., Morris, S. and Draper, A. (2011) Exploring food attitudes and behaviours in the UK: Findings from the Food and You Survey 2010, March, London: Food Standards Agency.
    https://www.food.gov.uk/sites/default/files/media/document/food-and-you-2010-main-report.pdf
  26. Husain, F. and Morris, S. (2011) An Evaluation design for Food Hygiene Rating Schemes, Social Science Research Unit, Unit Report 14, Food Standards Agency
  27. Morris, S. (2009) Attitudes and behaviours toward healthy eating and food safety: A scoping study, London: Food Standards Agency
  28. Morris, S. (2007) Child Support Awards in Britain: An Analysis of Data from the Families and Children Study, CASEpaper No. 119, London School of Economics and Political Science: Centre for Analysis of Social Exclusion.
    http://eprints.lse.ac.uk/6220/1/Child_Support_Awards_in_Britain_An_analysis_of_data_from_the_Families_and_Children_Study.pdf
  29. Barnes, M., Lyon, N., Morris, S., Robinson V. and Yee Wan, Y. (2005) Family life in Britain: Findings from the 2003 Families and Children Study (FACS), Department for Work and Pensions, Research Report No. 250, Leeds: Corporate Documents Services. 
  30. Barnes, M., Willitts, M., Anderson, T., Chaplin, J., Collins, D., Groben, S., Morris, S., Noble, J., Phillips, M. and Sneade, I. (2004), Families and Children in Britain: Findings from the 2002 Families and Children Study (FACS), Department for Work and Pensions, Research Report 206, Leeds: Corporate Documents Services.
  31. Bridgwood, A., Lilly, R., Thomas, M., Bacon, J., Sykes, W., and Morris, S. (2000) Living in Britain: Results from the 1998 General Household Survey (London: The Stationery Office).
  32. Morris, S. (1998) Outcomes for the children of lone parents, in Department for Social Security’s Research Year Book 1997/98 (Leeds: Corporate Document Services).
  33. Huws, U., Honey, S. and Morris, S. (1996) Teleworking and rural development, London: Rural Development Commission, Rural Research Report Number 27.
  34. Honey, S., Hillage, J., Patch, A. and Morris, S. (1996) Health surveillance in Great Britain, London: HSE Books, HSE Contract Research Report No. 121.
  35. Honey, S., Hillage, J., Jagger, N. and Morris, S. (1996) The costs and benefits of the Noise at Work Regulations 1989, London: HSE Books, HSE Contract Research Report No. 116.
  36. Atkinson, J., Rick, J., Morris, S. and Williams, M. (1996) Temporary work and the labour market, Brighton: Institute for Employment Studies, Report 311.
    https://www.employment-studies.co.uk/system/files/resources/files/311.pdf
  37. Jagger, N., Morris, S. and Pearson, R. (1996), The target for higher level skills in an international context, Brighton: Institute for Employment Studies, Report 307. 
  38. Dench, S., Meager, N. and Morris, S. (1996), The recruitment and retention of people with disabilities, Brighton: Institute for Employment Studies, Report 301. 
  39. Court, G., Morris, S., Reilly, B. and Williams, M. (1995), Teachers: recruitment and the labour market, Brighton: Institute for Employment Studies and the National Commission on Education, Report 292.
  40. Connor, H., Court, G. and Morris, S. (1994), The training benefits of big science, Brighton: Institute for Employment Studies, Report 275.

Consultancy and advisory reports

  1. Adepeju, M., Bannister, J., Ellison, M., Morris, S. and Krzemieniewska-Nandwani, K. (2022) Directed hotspot policing with contextual safeguarding – a randomised controlled trial, Home Office / Greater Manchester Police GRIP Project 2021/22, Crime and Well-Being Big Data Centre, Manchester Metropolitan University
  2. Bailey, G., Wong, K., Morris, S. and Kumar, A. (2020) Kikit Pathwayz: Prevent Local Delivery Impact Evaluation Scoping Report, Manchester, Manchester Metropolitan University, Policy Evaluation and Research Unit
  3. Stellamacher, D,. Bailey, G., Wong K., Morris, S. and Kumar, A (2020) Empowering Minds Mothers Against Radicalisation Prevent Local Delivery Impact Evaluation Scoping Report, Manchester, Manchester Metropolitan University, Policy Evaluation and Research Unit
  4. Evaluating the effectiveness of the somewhere safe to stay hubs – A preliminary investigation into possible approaches, Manchester Metropolitan University, Policy Evaluation and Research Unit, report to Ministry of Housing Communities and Local Government, August 2019, with Dr Chris O’Leary and John Organ.
  5. Executive workforce Development Randomised Controlled Trial: Feasibility Study Report, NatCen Social Research and New Economy Manchester, report to Innovation and Growth Lab, Nesta, September 2016, with David Morris, Martina Votjkova and Allison Dunatchik
  6. Scoping the remit and feasibility of a policy evaluation centre for Defra: A report to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Policy Studies Institute, 2014, with Ben Shaw, Rebecca Phillips, Kim Vowden and Fatima Husain
  7. The NEETs JCP Pilot: Potential for an impact evaluation: Feasibility study report, Department for Work and Pensions Research Report, May 2014, with Triin Edovald
  8. Conducting a Randomised Control Trial of Smarter Heating Controls: A road map to a pilot trial, Department for Energy and Climate Change. June 2014, with Gareth Morrell
  9. The feasibility of evaluating prison-based Democratic Therapeutic Communities. Ministry of Justice, March 2014, with Sergio Salis and Caroline Turley
  10. A Review of the Evaluation of Consumer Financial Education Body’s Redundancy Handbook, for Consumer Financial Education Body, May 2011, with Sergio Salis
  11. Draft Evaluation Plan for NSPCC HomeBuilders Commission, for the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, March 2011, with Lesley Hoggart and Sandra Gulyurtlu (University of Greenwich)
  12. Evaluating the impact of Front of Pack labelling: A Preliminary Review of the issues, for the Food Standards Agency, June 2010
  13. An Evaluation Design for the Calorie Labelling Initiative, for the Department of Health, May 2010, with Fatima Husain
  14. The Progression to Work Pathfinders Development Phase – Impact evaluation designs & measuring progression to work, Department for Work and Pensions, January 2010, with Sandra Vegeris, Stefan Speckesser and Genevieve Knight
  15. Issues in designing a random assignment evaluation for the 2010 Drugs Pilot programme, Department for Work and Pensions, March 2009
  16. Design Options for the Evaluation of the Progression to Work Pathfinders, Department for Work and Pensions, April 2009, with Genevieve Knight and Lesley Hoggart
  17. The Commitment to Reduce Long-term Unemployment in EU Member States. European Commission (DG Employment), with Nigel Meager, October 1996