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University of Bedfordshire
Park Square
Luton
Bedfordshire
UK, LU1 3JU
I joined the University of Bedfordshire in November 2010.
Following a career in private business, mostly as a computer programmer and systems designer, I studied for a DipSW / MA in Social Work at the University of Hull, from which I qualified in 1998. I later taught on the social work course at Hull and carried out research into alcohol related issues.
I then worked as Lecturer in Applied Social Studies at the University of Durham, where I was responsible for managing a module on Children and Families, and led a module on Assessment within the Post-qualifying Childcare Award. Following the introduction of the new-style social work degree in 2003, I managed the development and implementation of a module on Human Development.
In practice I have worked as a Counsellor in an Alcohol Agency, and as a Child Protection Social Worker. From 2005 to 2010 I was employed by Durham County Council in the development of the local Children’s Trust, where I had responsibility for leading a team of project managers.
We implemented new, integrated ways of working and information sharing across multiple agencies and professions, which derived from The Children Act (2004). These projects included: the Integrated Children’s System (ICS); the Common Assessment Framework (CAF); and ContactPoint.
During this period I served on the Department for Education’s National e-CAF Project Board, which led the development of the electronically-enabled CAF.
I am currently studying for an MBA at Henley Business School, University of Reading.
As a result of these recent experiences, I have developed an interest in management and leadership within children’s services, particularly around issues concerning effective communication and performance management in inter-professional settings. I am looking to carry out PhD research into this area.
My involvement in new ways of learning and teaching as a student, a lecturer, and as a commissioner of electronically delivered training courses, has led to an interest in more effective use of new technologies to enhance the student learning experience.
The most recent publication in which I was involved was DCSF / Research in Practice (2009) Quality Matters in Children’s Services: Messages from Research, for which I served on the Implementation Advisory Group.
On a more personal note, my first love, after my wife and children, of course, is Featherstone Rovers.
I admire the French culture and language: I believe that I speak perfect French, despite being reminded annually of the falsehood of that belief.
