The BENEFITS project aims to create a holistic measurement framework that quantifies the multidimensional benefits of social services beyond financial metrics. Using the project’s tools, policymakers, stakeholders and researchers will be able to better understand the need for social services and improve their provision through evidence-based policy making. This, in turn, will contribute to more effective and equitable social policies across European countries.
To support the project in achieving these aims, the BENEFITS partners are pleased to announce the appointment of its Advisory Board (AB). Comprising of five international experts, the Board’s competences span social policy, behavioural economics, strategic advocacy and sustainable development. Together, AB members bring a shared focus on improving community well-being and public services.
The AB will help to ensure the engagement of key stakeholders in the co-design and development of evidence-based polices, contributing to the improvement of social services. Working throughout the three-year project AB members will also provide strategic advice on the ongoing implementation of the project.
The members of the BENEFITS Advisory Board are:
Ole Guldahl is a community and social services professional and teacher of social pedagogy in Sweden. Mr Guldahl is the former Head of the Swedish Migration Agency and former Head of Delegation for the International Red Cross and Red Crescent societies.
Georgios Kavetsos is the Associate Dean for Research and Professor of Behavioural Economics and Public Policy at Queen Mary University of London. Prof Kavetsos is also a Research Associate at the Centre for Economic Performance at the London School of Economics; and an Affiliate Scientist at Lee Kum Sheung Center for Health & Happiness at Harvard University. The first theme of his research seeks to understand how interventions shape individuals’ behaviour and preferences. The second studies the impact behaviours and interventions have on individuals’ well-being.
Pavel Ovseiko is the Principal Investigator and Senior Research Fellow in Health Policy and Management at the University of Oxford, leading a multi-disciplinary programme of research and policy advocacy on gender equity and diversity across medical and social sciences, demonstrating how gender equity could maximise scientific, societal and economic returns on investment in research.
Christina Papapostolou is the European Affairs Director and Head of the EU Representative Office at PPC Group, collaborating with EU institutions on strategic advocacy campaigns in the energy sector. Dr. Papapostolou holds an MA in Organisational Analysis and Behaviour from Lancaster University and a PhD in Public and European Policies from the University of Piraeus.
Andrew Percy is Co-Chair of the Social Prosperity Network at the University College of London Institute for Global Prosperity, focusing on alternative and sustainable social security systems for the twenty-first century.
The BENEFITS project wishes to thank the AB members for their commitment to the project and the development of more effective and equitable social policies across Europe. To find out more about the AB visit our webpage here.