Role
Dr David Dahill is a Senior Research Fellow at the Centre for People, Work, and Organisational Practice (CPWOP), in the Department of Human Resource Management within Nottingham Business School.
Research areas
David's work explores the complex intersections of wellbeing, work, and employment, particularly the impact of precarious work on individuals and society. His research critically examines how neoliberal policies shape not only labour markets but broader societal wellbeing. As a qualitative researcher, David places high value on lived experiences as a rich source of knowledge, favouring subjective understanding and the sharing of narratives to uncover hidden meanings and probe social phenomena, whilst challenging dominant discourses around work and inequality.
He is committed to producing research with real-world impact, informing organisational and policy strategies, and supporting international collaborations. David regularly engages with diverse publics through seminars, workshops, publications, and knowledge exchange activities, connecting academic insight with practical change. With extensive experience in evidence reviews (including REAs, scoping studies, and qualitative analysis) he continues to lead collaborative projects aimed at improving working conditions, equity, and justice. David welcomes opportunities for new partnerships and community-building initiatives that address challenges at both micro and macro levels - in particular projects exploring precarious work as a socially constructed condition that affects the body, subjectivity, and social relations.
Currently advancing the wellbeing and work strand for CPWOP, David previously co-led the Work Futures Research Group (2020–2025) and now oversees the collaborative workspace linking CPWOP, the Work Futures Observatory, and GMB Union, focusing on private hire sector support. He has previously delivered lectures and workshops on the sociological thinking and the sociology of work and careers modules of the BA sociology programme, and support on the DBA programme in NBS.
Research and analysis
David specialises in qualitative research methods, applying rigorous approaches to explore complex social and policy issues. His expertise includes conducting Rapid Evidence Assessments and systematic reviews to synthesise existing knowledge efficiently and accurately. He is skilled in case study synthesis and thematic analysis, enabling him to draw meaningful insights from diverse data sources. Additionally, David has a strong background in policy analysis and evaluation, supporting evidence-based decision-making and the development of impactful strategies.
Technical and professional skills
David has extensive experience in academic writing and publication, contributing to peer-reviewed journals and advancing scholarly discourse in his field. He is adept at research bid development and funding strategy, helping secure resources for innovative projects. His work emphasises stakeholder engagement and knowledge exchange, fostering collaboration between academia, industry, and policymakers. Furthermore, David is proficient in data visualisation and reporting, ensuring that research findings are communicated clearly and effectively to varied audiences.
External activity
David is a member of the British Academy, the European Sociological Association, and the Working Class Academics Network. He is also part of the international research and reading group 'precarious work, precarious lives' with academics across South America and Europe (jointly hosted by Cardiff University, Wales, UK, and the University of São Paulo in Brazil).
Press expertise
- Social inequality, poverty, and insecure jobs – how differences in wealth and opportunity affect people’s lives, and the challenges faced by those in unstable or low-paid work.
- Government control and digital decision-making – how modern governments use policies and algorithms to influence behavior and manage society.
- Digitisation and data governance – how the shift to digital systems and the way data is managed impacts individuals and organizations.
- Stigma and social exclusion – why certain groups are treated unfairly or left out of social and economic opportunities.
- The future of work – how jobs and workplaces are changing due to technology, automation, and new economic trends.
- Critical social theory – using ideas from thinkers like Michel Foucault to understand power, control, and social structures.
- Gamification and behavioral control – how game-like systems and incentives are used to influence people’s choices and actions.
- AI ethics and disinformation – the moral questions around artificial intelligence and the spread of false or misleading information online.