Sophie Anderson is a Higher Education Lecturer at the University of Cumbria, where she plays a pivotal role within the Institute of Health, Society, Children and Families. With a distinguished career spanning over 18 years, Sophie brings a wealth of practical experience and academic expertise to her current role, where she teaches across a diverse suite of programs. These programs include Youth Work, Health and Social Care, Children and Young People’s Wellbeing, and Working with Children and Families. Her teaching approach is deeply informed by her extensive background as a frontline practitioner, allowing her to bridge the gap between theory and practice in a way that profoundly resonates with her students.
Sophie’s commitment to education extends beyond the classroom. In her role as a Personal Tutor, she provides individualised support and mentorship to students, guiding them through both their academic and personal development. Her dedication to student success is evident in her personalised approach, which tailors guidance to meet the unique needs of each student. This role underscores her holistic view of education, where the development of students as both learners and individuals is paramount.
One of Sophie’s core research interests lies in the area of neurodiversity in education. She is particularly passionate about creating programs and assessments that are accessible and equitable for students from widening participation backgrounds. Her work in this area is driven by a deep commitment to inclusivity and social justice, reflecting her belief that education should be a transformative experience accessible to all, regardless of background. This focus on accessibility and equity in education is a testament to Sophie’s forward-thinking approach and her desire to challenge traditional educational models to better serve diverse student populations.
Prior to her role in higher education, Sophie built an impressive career as a frontline practitioner. Her expertise spans several critical areas, including sexual health, young carers, education, and children in care. This extensive experience has endowed her with a nuanced understanding of the challenges faced by vulnerable populations, which she integrates into her teaching and research.
In addition to her academic responsibilities, Sophie remains actively engaged in frontline practice through consultancy work with youth work organizations. This involvement ensures that her knowledge remains current and that her teaching is informed by the latest developments in the field. Sophie’s dual focus on academic excellence and practical application makes her a dynamic and influential figure in the fields of youth work, health, and social care
Dr Charlotte Hardacre is an interdisciplinary researcher with a focus on family learning, social care, and learning disability research. She completed her PhD at Lancaster University, where she explored the role of authenticity in family engagement practices. Charlotte’s professional journey blends academic leadership, creative methods, and hands-on experience in social work and education. From 2014 to 2023, she was a Senior Lecturer at the University of Cumbria, where she served as the Programme Leader for the BSc (Hons) Health and Social Care and as a module leader within the BSc (Hons) Working with Children and Families programme. In these roles, she demonstrated a strong commitment to innovative, student-centred teaching and the integration of technology-enhanced learning.
Charlotte is currently undertaking research at Manchester Metropolitan University, where she contributes to an NIHR-funded Digital Health Participation study. This project aims to improve health outcomes for adults with learning disabilities by developing the first accessible, psychometrically valid survey of digital health participation. As part of a national team, she employs various research techniques, including focus groups, surveys, digital diaries, and co-creation workshops, to advance the project’s objectives. Additionally, Charlotte is involved in the Pipeworks project, which uses a participatory approach to identify practical ways to enhance collaborative, interdisciplinary research. Before joining Manchester Metropolitan University, she contributed to several NIHR-funded projects, including the HOME study and the Trylife project. In the latter, she led the Public Involvement and Community Engagement work, through which she secured the Dialogue and Change Award from Investing in Children.
In addition to her academic and research roles, Charlotte has extensive experience working with families. She continues to work as a Family Support Practitioner at a Residential Family Assessment Centre. This role allows her to apply and build on her research findings in a real-world setting by supporting families who are navigating care proceedings and the family courts. Dr Hardacre also remains actively engaged with the academic community through her work as an external examiner and supervisor of postgraduate research.
