My research interests are closely linked to the work of REAP and my university role as Educational Developer.  Major themes at present include:

• Inclusive teaching and learning policy and practice
• Educational Guidance See also doctoral research
• Disability and transition to HE and Employment
• Evaluation of Widening Access initiatives 
• Widening participation policy and practice
• Educational Equality and Social Exclusion
• Family Learning within school and community context

On areas associated with my research interests but in particular in the next few years on widening access, retention and achievement, inclusive curriculum development, the academic and learning experiences of disabled learners, transitions issues into education and the workplace, especially for disabled graduates, from a multi-agency perspective the policy agenda of Schools that will encompass family and intergenerational learning from Faith Schools agenda

Institutional Development Interests

My university equality, diversity and inclusion work links closely with research and teaching interests.

I am a member of the university's Equality and Diversity Committee, the Widening Participation Co-ordinating Group, Disability and Equality and Diversity Networks, Anti-Harassment and Bullying Team, and a senior member of Cartmel College.

I was an active member of the Faculty of Arts and Social Science Courses Committee from 2004 to 2014.

Originally trained in the primary sector I have a long standing interest in encouraging learners of all ages to take an active role in their own learning and describe my approach to teaching and learning as collaborative and interactive and I aim to be inclusive and value the contribution of all participants. I completed Lancaster's Certificate in Academic Practice in 2006 and was nominated for the National Teaching Fellowship Scheme, 2010.

Educational Research

I have taught on both undergraduate and postgraduate programmes and developed modules relating to areas of research including social exclusion, race and disability and education.

I am convenor for Module B Professional Practice for our Phd in Higher Education that provides an opportunity to engage with professionals working in a range of HE contexts in what I find a stimulating teaching and learning experience.

Organisation and Educational Development (OED)

I am module convenor for an experienced route for Lancaster University's Higher Education Academy accredited Postgraduate Certificate of Academic Practice (PGCAP) and convene the Curriculum Design and Development module.  I also contribute to a range of other programmes offering sessions on equality, diversity and inclusive curriculum, these include online sessions to colleagues in our International Teaching Partnerships at Sunway and LU Ghana.

In addition, I have taught adult learners within a variety of community contexts.  I am a course consultant for Blackburn College who are responsible for the Bachelor of Arts Degree in Education Studies and have chaired a number of Quality Reviews and Validation panels.

Professional Bodies

I am on the advisory editorial board for the:

• Journal of Widening Participation and Lifelong Learning
• Teaching in Higher Education

I was Honorary Chair of the Standing Conference on University Teaching and Research in Education of Adults (SCUTREA) 2011-2014.