Dr Harding has over 40 years of professional experience working in research and is recognised as a leading qualitative researcher.
Previously a Professor of Criminology at the School of Law, University of West London, Prior to that, Simon was a lecturer/ researcher at both Middlesex and London South Bank Universities.
Previously a Principal Trainer in Hate Crime and Diversity for the MPS Police Training College, Hendon, he remains an Independent Advisor to MPS Commissioners on equalities and diversity.
Recent professional work focuses on youth violence and urban street gangs: organising the Lambeth Gangs Commission; managing the UK's largest anti-gang project; supporting the Five Borough Alliance Gangs project. He actively researches street gangs, drug markets and county lines and now advises the Home Office, MOPAC, the MPS, NCA and HMICFRS on gangs, youth violence including gangs, knives and county lines.
He has over thirty years of experience as a researcher and is a recognised leader in qualitative research and focus groups.
Key research topics include
Gangs and violent offending
Serious youth violence
Drug market assessment
Violent Reduction Unit review
Youth crime and youth perceptions
Town Centre Crime
Project evaluation
Thematic reviews, e.g., Street robbery, ASB, Burglary, fear of crime
Community perceptions and engagement
Recent research experience:
Mayor’s Office for policing and crime (Mopac) – Cannabis and Violence (2021)
Mayor’s Office for policing and crime (Mopac) - Gang Perception Study, (2020)
County Lines drugs markets in London and Kent (2018-20)
UWL - Community Safety Review (2018)
EU Research - Diversity in EU cities, JUST/2014/Action Grant, (2016-18)
Home Office - Evaluation of Ending Gang and Youth Violence (EGYV)programme, (2015 -16)
League Against Cruel Sports - Dogfighting in the UK – (2016)
Safer London Foundation, evaluation of Empower project to address female gang involvement – (2014)
Home
Simon is Director of Criminology Services, undertaking expert witness commissions, specialising in gangs, modern slavery, exploitation, and drugs.
Expert Witness
Dr Harding acts as an Expert Witness for both Defence and the Crown
Consultancy
Simon has extensive knowledge in all aspects of consultancy