I completed a PhD at the University of Glasgow in June 2020.  My thesis, titled Democratic governance through intermediary bodies: a case study of third sector interfaces in Scotland, examined the relationship between third sector and state, exploring the impact of participation in governance networks on a third sector interface’s independence from the state and representation of the sector.  My interest in this area is rooted in over 30 years as a third sector practitioner.

I am currently a Research Associate with Children's Neighbourhoods Scotland. Children’s Neighbourhoods Scotland takes a place-based approach to improving outcomes for children, young people and their communities. ‘Children’s neighbourhoods’ bring together people, resources and organisations in a local area, so that all of those things can work collaboratively towards better lives for the children living there.

Prior to joining CNS, I worked on two projects:

• Disabled people and COVID-19 in the UK explored the experiences of disabled people and COVID19 (University of Glasgow and London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine)
• The Collaborative was a University of Glasgow initiative to build the university’s relationship with the local third sector

I am the co-chair of the Voluntary Sector Studies Network, a network that brings together academics and practitioners interested in third sector research. 

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Prizes, awards & distinctions

• 2021: Best Conference Paper, “They have been a saving grace” - The role of the third sector in disabled people’s experiences of COVID-19 and implications for third sector-state relations (with Professors Nick Watson and Tom Shakespeare) (Voluntary Sector Studies Network)

Professional & learned societies

• 2017 - Ongoing: Co-Chair, Voluntary Sector Studies Network
• 2016 - Ongoing: Steering Group Member, Voluntary Sector Studies Network