An experienced public speaker and keynote presenter delivering talks on poverty, race, health inequalities and social justice — from community halls to international conferences.
I am a confident and experienced public speaker who brings academic rigour together with passion, accessibility and real-world relevance. My talks draw directly on active research and over a decade of community activism — ensuring that every presentation is grounded in lived experience, not just theory.
I have delivered keynote addresses, conference papers, training sessions and panel presentations at a range of events — from local community settings to international academic conferences. My approach is to make complex research accessible and challenging to a wide range of audiences, always centring the voices of the communities I research.
I am available for academic conferences, public lectures, policy forums, staff training, and community events. I welcome invitations from both the UK and internationally.
Each of these topics can be tailored for academic, policy, professional or community audiences. All talks can be delivered as keynotes, workshop sessions, or conference papers.
Drawing on the Capabilities Approach and original field research, this talk examines how poverty shapes — and constrains — the everyday lives of families in northern English towns. It challenges purely economic framings of poverty and offers a richer, more humane account of what deprivation actually means.
Oral health is one of the most striking — and overlooked — markers of social inequality. This talk explores the relationship between poverty, race and oral health outcomes in children and adults, making the case for oral health to be understood as a matter of social justice rather than individual behaviour.
How do minoritised communities carve out space, visibility and belonging in towns that were not designed with them in mind? This talk examines the dynamics of inclusion and exclusion in post-industrial UK settings, drawing on ethnographic research and community testimony.
What does it mean to do research with communities rather than on them? This practical and theoretical talk draws on direct experience of participatory and decolonised methodologies — exploring how researchers can build genuine accountability to the communities they study.
Drawing on over a decade of work with public sector organisations, this talk examines the gap between race equity commitments and on-the-ground realities. It offers practical frameworks for organisations seeking meaningful, rather than performative, change.
I regularly develop bespoke presentations for specific conferences, organisations or audiences. If you have a theme or question in mind that doesn't fit the above, please get in touch to discuss a tailored talk.
A selection of speaking engagements across academic, professional and community settings.
I adapt my delivery to suit the event, audience and purpose — from high-energy keynote addresses to intimate workshop sessions and detailed policy briefings.
Jonathon is a compelling and thoughtful speaker who brings clarity, insight, and humanity to complex issues. His ability to connect research, lived experience, and practice makes his talks both intellectually rigorous and deeply engaging. Our audience left inspired and challenged in the best possible way."
—Paige Mayhew, Conference Chair, Social Policy Research Network
"Jonathon has a rare ability to translate complex ideas into something meaningful for practitioners and communities. His talk was powerful, grounded in real experience, and sparked conversations that continued long after the event finished."
— Mark Reynolds, Community Partnership Lead, Northern Health Alliance
I welcome invitations from academic conferences, public institutions, charities, community organisations and policy forums — in the UK and internationally.
Get in touch about speaking →