Dr Samantha Shave BA MSc PhD FRHistS FHEA is a welfare and policy researcher, interested in periods of welfare change and how we experience change in everyday life.

Working on a wide range of projects, from poverty to living standards and financial insecurity, through to the NHS and charities, Samantha has broad knowledge about life and wellbeing in Britain. Through public engagement, policy, and heritage work, Samantha aims to inform and make a difference.

Samantha is a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society, a Research Associate of the University of Strathclyde, and an Honorary Senior Fellow of the University of Lincoln. Her first book Pauper Policies was released in 2017 (paperback available in 2018), and she has contributed chapters to edited books, and academic journal papers. You can read more about her published work here. Samantha is undertaking research about the NHS and charity at the moment, and will provide details of publications soon.

Samantha’s work has appeared in a print media, including the BBC’s History Magazine, and broadcast media too. She talked to Melvyn Bragg on BBC Radio 4’s In Our Time?, and provided expertise for BBC Radio 4’s Making History and BBC Radio Manchester’s Hidden Histories.

Samantha’s next talk can be found on her events page.

Always happy to share her knowledge and ideas, Samantha has acted as a consultant and contributor to a range of popular TV documentaries and series (BBC and ITV, such as Who Do You Think You Are?), about family, social and local history, and welfare history. Samantha has been consulted by producers, researchers, and writers of all types, and recently enjoyed supporting an acclaimed children’s fiction author.

Samantha has previously held posts at the universities of Sussex, Cambridge, Bournemouth, and Southampton, and has gained recognition for her teaching with Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy.