Dr Chloe Blackwell

  • Senior Research Associate
Full list of publications

I first joined CRSP as a PhD student in 2018. I am a qualitative researcher, and my research examines living standards, household costs and access to resources, with a particular interest in the experiences of disabled people, autistic children and their families.

A significant part of my research involves the application of the Minimum Income Standard (MIS), and I lead the fieldwork for this work. I have examined living standards and income adequacy across the UK, on studies covering a Minimum Income Standard for London, debt and poverty and retirement living standards. I have also played a central role in the development of the Minimum Digital Living Standard programme, exploring what people require to participate fully in an increasingly digital society.

I engage with charities, government departments and devolved administrations to support the translation of research evidence into policy and practice. My evidence has been reported by the All-Party Parliamentary Group inquiry on the disproportionate impact of poverty and inequality on disabled people. I have delivered invited presentations for UK Government departments, charities and professional networks, and contributed expertise to discussions on poverty, disability, digital inclusion and family wellbeing. My work has been shared with audiences including the Department for Work and Pensions, the Home Office, NSPCC, the British and Irish Council, and international organisations, including working groups supported by the World Bank and UNICEF. I regularly present research findings at academic conferences and professional events, and contribute to peer review activities within my areas of expertise.

I have particular expertise in qualitative and deliberative research methods, including focus groups and interviews. My doctoral research explored the financial experiences of families raising autistic children, examining additional costs and the wider social and institutional factors shaping family wellbeing. I maintain a strong interest in disability, caregiving, family life and social participation.

Research interests

  • Living standards and income adequacy
  • Disability, neurodiversity and family wellbeing
  • Digital inclusion and Minimum Digital Living Standards
  • Qualitative and deliberative research methods