I am a Senior Lecturer and Sub-Regional Assessor on the Social Work BA (Hons) Integrated Degree Apprenticeship programme.
I am a practising social pedagogue, social worker and practice educator, with 20 years' experience of working with children and families.
In the past few years, I have been fortunate to be able to develop my skills and experience in several different roles by working for different local authorities. My caseload has consisted of children in need, child protection, children looked after and court cases.
Since qualifying as a practice educator (PE) in 2013, I have appreciated the benefits of the two-way working relationship and opportunities to learn with student social workers and trainee PE-s.
I also have an MA in Professional Education and Training. During my studies, I undertook research which explored staff retention and coping strategies used by practice educators to manage stress. While on the course, I also developed a child exploitation awareness training manual.
I have come to appreciate the importance of strengths-based practice (e.g. motivational interviewing, mindfulness-based approaches and solution-focused brief therapy).
I am a member of the British Association of Social Workers (BASW), National Association for Independent Reviewing Officers (NAIRO) and Social Pedagogy Professional Association (SPPA).
Senior Lecturer in Social Work