Research interests

Michael's primary focus in recent years has been social security (welfare benefits).

One strand of Michael's work has been about using approaches that are solutions focused, participatory and based on consensus building, particularly through the Commission on Social Security project which culminated in publication of The Plan: for a decent social security systemLink opens in a new window.

A second strand of work is around how to talk about social security, in conjunction with strategic communications specialist Nicky HawkinsLink opens in a new window. This includes publications (by Nicky Hawkins) called Talking about social security effectivelyLink opens in a new window and How do young people think about social securityLink opens in a new window The work has developed into an ongoing project, funded by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, which is creating infrastructure for strategic communications thinking and activity on social securityLink opens in a new window including establishing pro-social security narratives.

Selected publications

• Orton, M. and Sarkar, S. (2023) 'Covid-19 and (mis)understanding public attitudes to social security: re-setting debate' Critical Social Policy (43)1: 3-28. https://bit.ly/3QKTMo9Link opens in a new window

• Morris, R., Morrison, E., Orton, M. and Summers, K. (2022) 'The Commission on Social Security and participatory research during the pandemic: new context, abiding challenges' in K. Garthwaite, R. Patrick, M. Power, A. Tarrant, and R. Warnock (eds.) Covid-19 Collaborations: Researching poverty and low-income family life during the pandemic Bristol: Policy Press.

• Orton, M., Summers, K. and Morris, R. (2022) 'Guiding principles for social security policy: outcomes from a bottom-up approach' Social Policy & Administration 56(3): 485-501. http://doi.org/10.1111/spol.12782Link opens in a new window
• Morris, R., Orton, M. and Summers, K. (2020) 'Social security responses to Covid19: the case for £50 Child BenefitLink opens in a new window' Discover Society 15 April.
• Orton, M. (2019) 'Challenges for anti-poverty action: developing approaches that are solutions focused, participative and collaborative' Journal of Poverty and Social Justice 27(1): 131-136.
• Batty, S. and Orton, M. (2018) ‘An agenda for fixing the social security/welfare benefits system’ Journal of Poverty and Social Justice 26(2): 291-295. https://doi.org/10.1332/175982718X15244988914331Link opens in a new window. (Most read article in the Journal of Poverty and Social Justice, 2018)
• Orton, M. and Somra, G. (2018) 'Locally grounded principles for a Good Society' Local Economy 33(6): 601-614. https://doi.org/10.1177/0269094218801572Link opens in a new window.
• Orton, M. (2017) ‘Policy steps towards a better social future’ in R. Atkinson, L. McKenzie and S. Winlow (eds.) Building Better Societies: Promoting Social Justice in a World Falling ApartLink opens in a new window pp155-164 Bristol: Policy Press.
• Orton, M. (2016) Secure & Free: 5+ solutions to socio-economic insecurityLink opens in a new window London: Compass.

Academic profile

Michael joined IER in 2002. Prior to that he worked for over 15 years in the voluntary sector and local government. This included Citizens Advice Bureau (from being a volunteer through to Bureau Manager), an anti-poverty policy role in a local authority Finance Department, and being an Investigator for the Local Government Ombudsman - with the latter including a year working for the New South Wales Ombudsman, Sydney.

While Michael's current work focuses on social security, other research areas have included active labour market policy, personal debt, taxation/fiscal welfare, public attitudes to economic inequality and Sen's Capabilities Approach.

Michael's work has been published widely in journal articles, research reports and book chapters. He has appeared as an expert witness before a Parliamentary Committee Inquiry, and his work has featured in Parliamentary Questions and attracted a variety of media coverage.

All publicationsLink opens in a new window

All projects