Clare Frew

This recognises the role Ms Frew has played in supporting I-SPHERE research including Multiple Exclusion Homelessness in the UK, Destitution in the UK, and Hard Edges Scotland.

Ms Frew played an important role in supporting the transition to Rapid Rehousing and Housing First across Scotland, working alongside people with frontline and personal experience of homelessness to contribute to research and influence policy decisions.

Professor Suzanne Fitzpatrick, director of institute (I-SPHERE) at Heriot-Watt University, said: “We are delighted and honoured to welcome Claire Frew as Honorary Research Fellow. Claire has provided generous, high skilled and unstinting support to I-SPHERE colleagues on a whole range of research projects over recent years, adding enormous value to the work that we do and amplifying its impact across Scotland and beyond. This appointment represents formal recognition by the University of this much appreciated contribution and we look forward to many more years of fruitful collaboration with Claire and other Homeless Network Scotland colleagues.” 

I-SPHERE uses world-class research to help drive change for people affected by extreme disadvantage and is among the UK’s top social and housing policy research centres. In 2019 the team were awarded the Queens Anniversary Prize for I-SPHERE’s groundbreaking research. Queen’s Anniversary Prizes are awarded once every two years in recognition of the outstanding work delivered by UK colleges and universities.

Ms Frew’s experience in the housing and homelessness sector spans more than 15 years and she has worked for Homeless Network Scotland since 2004. After completing a Postgraduate Diploma in Housing Studies at the University of Stirling and her Masters in Public Policy at the University of Glasgow, Claire joined Homeless Network Scotland as a policy officer. 

Commenting on being named Honorary Research Fellow, Claire Frew added: “After many years of close collaboration with the team at I-SPHERE, I am thrilled to become an Honorary Research Fellow.  Their world-class research has played a crucial role in informing Scotland’s plan to end homelessness, and the team has played a leading role in supporting the development of Housing First across Scotland.  I am excited to continue to contribute whatever I can to I-SPHERE’s work in the future.”