Mrs Rachel Ayrton 

Postgraduate Researcher

Mrs Rachel Ayrton is a final year doctoral research student within Sociology, Social Policy & Criminology at the University of Southampton.

Qualifications
MA Theological and Religious Studies (2:i), Cambridge, 2005
Professional Certificate in Management, Open University, 2010
MSc Sociology and Social Research (Distinction), Southampton, 2012

Background
I am a Postgraduate Researcher jointly funded by the ESRC Doctoral Training Centre and the ESRC National Centre for Research Methods. My three paper PhD considers the history and current prospects of the social survey method in light of the shifting data environment; how trust is conceptualised and what creative methods can add to theory development; and what role trust plays in narratives surrounding national independence movements in the lead up to a referendum.

Prior to postgraduate study I worked for 6 years in the UK regeneration sector, with roles in community development and project management as part of urban neighbourhood renewal programmes in Southampton (NDC) and London (Enfield Council). I have also undertaken consultancy work in community development and managed the Census Coverage Survey in Southampton (2011).