Thomas Shipley

What is your PhD about? 

My PhD is motivated by the wide evidence gap in the anti-corruption field concerning what approaches and types of intervention can be effective in countering corruption. Specifically, my research analyses whether current research designs and methods used for evaluations of anti-corruption programmes are fit for purpose. Using a dataset of evaluations published by international development agencies, I am critically examining current approaches to evaluations and the barriers which might prevent this work from helping to close the evidence gap in the field. My aims are to contribute to academic debates around quality of evidence and theories of change in anti-corruption, while also making an operational contribution on good practice for evaluation designs. 

Why did you choose Sussex / CSC? 

It's fantastic to have a community of researchers at the CSC from different disciplinary backgrounds looking at the topic of corruption. Sussex is also a hub for practitioners working in international development with the Institute of Development Studies based on campus. Beyond this I have lived in Brighton for nearly 10 years working in the corruption field and it seemed like too good an opportunity to miss with a specialist research centre on my doorstep!

What were you doing before you started your PhD?

I started my career in the field at the Transparency International Defence and Security team before working in the private sector on anti-corruption issues. I worked at risk consultancies advising a range of businesses and organisations on managing corruption risk on investments and operations in sub-Saharan Africa, which is the region I specialise in. I also worked in the business integrity team at CDC Group, the UK development finance institute, advising on corruption risks and helping investee businesses develop their anti-corruption systems. 

Do you have any advice for someone considering a PhD?

I would strongly encourage it because it's a real privilege to have the time to really understand a subject and research your own ideas. Corruption is such a big and important topic though that there is a temptation to try and take on too much. You need to find an area which is feasible to research where you can make a concrete contribution to the field. Lastly, you never quite know what life will bring over 3 - 6 years so be prepared to be adaptable!