My research interests are focused on Adult Social Work, in particular learning disability, mental health and adults at risk of harm.  I am also keen on ensuring the involvement of those who use supports and their carers in research at all levels by using participatory methodologies.  

Has expertise in:

• Learning disability
• Mental disorder/mental health
• Adults at risk of harm
• Participatory models of research

Undergrauate BA in Social Sciences - Open University 

Post Graduate Diploma in Social Work - Northern College (Aberdeen)

Masters in Community Care - University of Glasgow

PhD (writing up) - University of Glasgow

I joined the Univeristy of Strathclyde in 1997 and am now a Lecturer and Course Leader for the PG Certificate in Mental Health Social Work (MHO) Award in the School of Social Work and Social Policy in the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences.  I teach on the undergraduate and post graduate qualifying social work programmes with a focus on risk and protection in adult social work including those experiencing mental disorder and learning disability as well as adults at risk of harm.  I have undertaken research across a range of settings including, within the voluntary sector, local authority social work departments, health boards and on behalf of Scottish Government at a policy level.  This work has primarily focused on areas around Adult Social Work including, evaluating effectiveness of models of intervention, exploring the impact of social networks on resilliance, identifying challenges to practice from policy and legislative implementation and gaps in research knowledge.  I have worked on a number of collaborative research teams with colleagues from other academic institutions as well as practice and have been involved in international collaborations.  I am currently writing up my Phd which has focused on the implementation of the Adult Support and Protection (Scotland) Act (2007).