Academic Profile I joined the Department of Sociological Studies in September 2008 having previously taught at the University of Manchester (2005-2008) and been a Research Fellow in the Department of Sociology and Social Policy at the University of Leeds (2003-2005). Research My research interests bridge social policy and sociology with a focus on the analysis of policies, services and everyday lived experiences in relation to childhood, young people, parenthood and family support. I am interested in the relationship between child, family and social policy, and engage in critical policy analysis for improvements in child welfare and family support entitlements, provisions and services. I have completed qualitative research about lone mothers' experiences of negotiating motherhood and paid work, parental empowerment in Sure Start Children's Centres and parents of teenagers' experiences of participating in group parenting programmes. After gaining a D.Phil from Oxford University, I took up a post at the School in 2003. Before coming to Leeds, I was a social worker in child protection. My research interests have largely focused on various aspects of the British sex industry, represented in two monographs and a textbook. I continue links with grassroots organisations where the crossroads of research output and change lies.