Robyn Lock

Robyn Lock is a social policy researcher and activist based in Glasgow, focused on challenging stigma and inequality experienced by families living in poverty. Drawing on her own experiences of generational welfare reliance and overcoming personal and structural barriers, Robyn combines lived expertise with rigorous academic inquiry.

She is about to begin her PhD, which explores the social and psychological dimensions of poverty, particularly the role of stigma in shaping access to support for one-parent families. Her research is grounded in the Redefining Poverty Model, a practical framework that maps how micro-level experiences of stigma intersect with community and policy systems. Through this work, Robyn seeks to transform the way poverty is understood and addressed, ensuring that policy and practice are informed by the voices and lived realities of those most affected.

Alongside her doctoral work, Robyn leads the Our Voices, Our Stories project in West Dunbartonshire, a youth-led initiative empowering pupils to explore and challenge poverty stigma in their schools and communities. The programme includes ambassador pathways, curriculum integration, and co-designed workshops, enabling young people to influence policy, build leadership skills, and contribute to systemic change.

Robyn’s work reflects the Stuart Hall Foundation’s commitment to amplifying marginalised voices and addressing inequality. She aims to bridge research, practice, and policy, creating opportunities for youth and families to be heard, valued, and empowered, while promoting a stigma-informed approach to poverty in Scotland and beyond.