Prior to taking on an academic role I spent over twenty years as a social worker with adults in a range of settings, developing professional expertise and personal skills throughout that time. This experience enhances my research and teaching activities and contributes to my approach to the fusion of education, research and professional practice. During my extensive career in social work I have gained experience in a variety of approaches to practice, ranging for example from care management to personalisation. This practical knowledge lends professional credibility to my teaching and offers students insights into the lived experience of practice which is characterised by change. I have substantial experience of front-line practice, including managing a complex caseload which requires the ability to prioritise and maintain professionalism in often challenging situations. I am an experienced safeguarding investigator and can work effectively in situations of conflict and risk whilst promoting social work values focused on issues of social justice. My long social work career work means I have worked through periods of legislative and policy change, most recently with the implementation of the Care Act 2014 and personalised approaches to practice. This direct experience means my approach to education and research is underpinned by my professional values. Social work, like academia, requires the ability to manage multiple demands and my professional experience has given me skills which I now bring to an education setting. I have always enjoyed learning and my career has woven together personal education and professional social work practice. I have been pleased to take opportunities to enhance my practice through further education, for example undertaking the BA (Hons) Community Care and Safeguarding Adults in 2009, which led on to my doctoral studies.

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