Poor Quality Housing, Domestic Fire Risk and the Prevention Agenda: The Role of the Fire and Rescue Services in Cross-Sector Housing Safety (HHS-2026-06)

About the project

About the Project Poor quality housing is widely recognised as a key determinant of health and wellbeing, yet its relationship with domestic fire risk remains underexplored. While housing research has examined issues such as damp, overcrowding, disrepair, and inequality, less attention has been paid to how poor housing conditions and socio-economic deprivation may shape fire risk within the home. At the same time, UK Fire and Rescue Services (FRS) have increasingly adopted a prevention-focused role, working with households and partner agencies through initiatives such as Safe and Well visits. This creates an important opportunity to understand how fire services may identify and respond to wider housing-related risks. This PhD, situated within the Healthy Housing Initiative, will investigate the relationship between poor-quality housing, deprivation, and domestic fire risk, and will explore the role of Fire and Rescue Services in cross-sector approaches to housing safety. The project will examine how housing conditions, overcrowding, energy insecurity, and related vulnerabilities may contribute to domestic fire risk, and how these risks are currently understood and addressed through prevention activity. The study will also explore the feasibility of FRS staff identifying, flagging, and referring housing-related concerns to relevant agencies, including housing providers and local authorities. In doing so, it will consider the opportunities and challenges associated with partnership working across housing, public health, and emergency services. Using a mixed-methods design, the research is expected to combine analysis of fire incidents and housing-related data with qualitative interviews and case study research involving Fire and Rescue Services and relevant partners. The project will be developed in collaboration with Fire and Rescue Services, building on existing partnerships and offering the successful candidate the opportunity to engage closely with practice. The research will generate new evidence on an underexamined issue and contribute to debates on prevention, risk, and healthier homes. For subject specific enquiries please contact: t.j.simcock@hud.ac.uk How to Apply You must submit your application to pgrscholarships@hud.ac.uk in full by Friday 30th October 2026, including the following documents: A motivational email as to why you wish to apply for the scholarship, stating which project you are applying for. A 2,000-word research proposal outlining how you plan to undertake for the research topic you are applying for. For further guidance on writing a research proposal, please refer to the following webpage: https://www.hud.ac.uk/postgraduate/research/writing-a-research-proposal/ Full CV Provide copies of transcripts and certificates of all relevant academic and/or any professional qualifications. Provide references from two individuals – (at least one to be an academic reference) please contact your referees and ask them to send your references directly to pgrscholarships@hud.ac.uk from their work email address. Proof of eligibility – e.g. scan of passport photo page Please state the research topic number and title in the subject area of the email Please email pgrscholarships@hud.ac.uk with queries regarding eligibility and submitting documents. Informal enquiries about individual projects should be directed to the lead supervisor listed for each project. Type of Award: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Eligibility: Applications are welcome from UK applicants only; ideally with an MSc in a relevant subject area, applicants with a First-Class Honours degree may also be considered. Location: Huddersfield Funding: 3 years full-time research covering tuition fees and a tax-free bursary (stipend) starting at £21,805 for 2026/27.

Research areas