Gemma's Profile
Job title
Head of Department for Social Work and Social Care
Academic qualifications
Professional Doctorate Social Work, MA Social Work, MA Child Care Law and Practice, Postgraduate Certificate in Academic Practice in HE (PgCAPHE), Highfield Level 3 Award in Undertaking End Point Assessment (EPA) qualification, Post Graduate Certificate in Social Work, BSc in Educational Studies and Psychology
"My expertise ensures that students and apprentices benefit from a learning experience that is grounded in evidence, enriched by lived experience, and shaped by the latest standards in the sector."
I combine over a decade’s experience in children’s statutory services with my deep commitment to social work education and apprenticeships. My role as Head of Department Social Work and Social Care includes designing and developing new academic programmes, such as our two new social work apprenticeships, and leading our team in delivering exceptional Health and Social Care education.
My professional background spans Duty and Assessment, Youth Offending, Child Protection, and Court Proceedings. I’ve delivered learning and development to social work practitioners at all levels, supported newly qualified social workers through training and supervision, and remain engaged with the sector by sitting on fostering panels and supervising both students and practice educators. In order to ensure that my knowledge stays current, I try to return to frontline work as much as I can, most recently joining a child protection team for a short placement.
I maintain strong connections with regulatory and sector bodies such as Social Work England, Ofsted, and the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA), and actively contribute to national standards and curriculum development as a member of the National Social Work Apprenticeship Trailblazer Group and the QAA Social Work Advisory Group. I also serve on the editorial board of Social Work Education: The International Journal and act as an external examiner for several universities offering social work apprenticeship degrees.
I’m especially passionate about apprenticeships, having worked closely on the development of the updated Social Work Apprenticeship Standard introduced in 2023, and supporting national networks dedicated to social work apprenticeships. My expertise ensures that students and apprentices benefit from a learning experience that is grounded in evidence, enriched by lived experience, and shaped by the latest standards in the sector.
What inspires me most about my work at UCB is supporting students and apprentices as they transform into confident, skilled, and ethical practitioners. It’s deeply rewarding to see them apply what they learn to improve lives within their communities. Social work carries many public misconceptions, but evidence shows that when people are asked directly, their opinions of Social Workers are broadly positive. I’m proud to play my part in contributing to both frontline practice and academic innovation, helping to shape the next generation of Social Workers. My advice to students is: never be afraid to aim high.
In my spare time, I take pleasure in spending time with my family and animals, including a lively mix of cats, ducks, and chickens! I also enjoy gardening, including growing my own vegetables, and I’m always keen to expand my knowledge.