Since 2016, Debbie has been a Principal Lecturer and part of the School Leadership Team. She has lead responsibility for the qualifying social work programmes and is also quality lead, ensuring that all programmes meet academic and professional standards. She teaches on the Masters in Social Work in relation to law (Human Rights and Mental Capacity) and professional standards. She is also involved in teaching the CPD module for newly qualified social workers undertaking their Assessed Supported Year in Employment (ASYE).
Debbie was course leader for the MA Social Work from 2009 - 2016, during which time the course was redeveloped and was successfully revalidated by the professional body. The MA Social Work at UCLan is the largest in the country and has a great track record of successful completion and onwards employment in the social work sector.
Debbie was also the original module leader (from 2014-2019), for the school's successful Best Interest Assessor module, which provides validated training for qualified practitioners wishing to undertake this statutory role which sits within the Mental Capacity Act 2005.
Initially, she focused on quality assurance whilst teaching. In this role, Debbie has experience of supporting staff and students with issues such as academic integrity, academic development, mitigating circumstances, enhancing the student voice, developing/reviewing programme design and delivery and ensuring that professional regulatory standards are met.
Debbie is part of the Greater Lancashire Teaching Partnership Steering Group and Curriculum Development Group, which aims to improve the quality of social work delivery through training at both pre and post qualifying levels and the appropriate support for students and practitioners working in the sector.
She is also part of the University Review Panel which provides academic scrutiny for all programmes seeking initial approval or review. Her experience on this panel has enabled her to support colleagues within the school with periodic course review and the new curriculum framework review - ensuring that courses are providing high quality, relevant teaching and learning opportunities for students.
