I am a qualified nurse and social worker with 18 years practice experience in social work, the latter 10 of which I managed statutory social work services for adults, in England. I have held many roles in relation to Third Sector governance.  My research interests lie in the experiences of ageing in marginalised communities and most of my research is applied and co-produced with people with lived experience. Prior to joining Strathclyde, I was Professor of Social Care at Middlesex University, London where I worked for 11 years.

My doctorate studies were in educational gerontology exploring the role of lifelong learning in care services. I have a strong interest in the rights of LGBT+ communities and I am a founder member of the international LGBTQI social work network. In relation to learning and teaching I have over 150 publications including 20 key books covering a range of topics on leadership, management, organisational development, feminism, sexual and gender identities, values and ethics, gerontology, social work supervision. I have also published widely in other areas such as the use of the arts in professional education, parenting, ageing and disability. 

I was Head of Department for Social Work and Social Policy Jan 2020-Dec 2023 (role-share).

I have been involved in funded research and knowledge exchange by NIHR SSCR; DHSC England; British Academy; IASSW; Comic Relief; EU Cost Action; EU Erasmus Plus, Chief Scientist Office NHS Scotland, Skills for Care and UNITE.