Amy Sanders Email & Phone Number

My research interests include equalities and civil society-government relations. I have three current research projects in WISERD Civil Society Research Centre. These are (1) New Repertoires of Contention and Social Mobilisation (2) Patronage and Elites in Welsh Civil Society (3) Populism, Conflict, and Political Polarisation My PhD thesis: 'Institutionalising Equalities? Exploring the engagement of equalities organisations in the Welsh Third Sector-Government Partnership.' I drew on new institutionalist theory to explore how the nature of institutions shapes the promotion of equality of opportunity, thereby building on feminist institutionalism and expanding this perspective to a wider interpretation of equality. I examined how descriptive representation and substantive representation were being achieved by the equalities third sector. Drawing on participatory democracy, citizen voice and equality of opportunity to participate in public decision making, I was concerned with how the third sector are given a voice in policy making. Relatedly, I was also interested in social movements theory, claims-making and the action repertoires employed to influence policy, and how this relates to insider-outsider theory and third sector positioning. I also examined institutional change and its relationship with institutional efficacy and agency. This was addressed through the case study partnership between Welsh Government and the third sector. I used to be the Projects Coordinator and one of the directors of a workers cooperative called Dynamix. We worked with adults in the community, children and young people and trained the professionals that support these groups. We promoted rights, engagement and inclusion, tackled discrimination and empowered communities. The themes of my work included engagement and participation, inclusion & tackling inequality, health and emotional well-being, play and children's rights, enterprise education and employment support. Whether providing training, facilitating events or undertaking consultations, we used participative methods to engage. My role involved coordinating all the projects within Dynamix and developing new projects. I was an active member of the co-operative movements in Wales, and have a strong understanding of procurement of public sector contracts.

Listed skills include Teaching, Leadership, Training, Public Speaking, and 3 others.