Jane Lancaster

Biography

I joined the University of Cumbria as a Lecturer in 2021, teaching on the Nursing Apprenticeship programmes. My current research interests are: How students learn on apprenticeship programmes and the unique relationship between education providers and apprentice employers, and Person-centred meaningful activities for people living with dementia in a nursing home. 

Foremost, I am a parent and owner of many dogs. My first degree was in Music, from the Royal Northern College of Music. I then obtained a PGCE at St Martins College, Lancaster (now UoC) and was a qualified school teacher for 10 years. 

With a keen interest in student mental health, autism and neurodiversity, I embarked on a career change and studied Mental Health Nursing at the University of Cumbria, qualifying in 2012. As a registered mental health nurse, I have worked in acute adult, CAMHs and forensic services and with older adults.  

My path in learning and professional development continued. In recent years, whilst working with older adults living with dementia in a nursing home, my passion for their care led me to complete a Masters Degree in Dementia and I was thrilled to be awarded the Jane Mallinson Prize for Outstanding Commitment to Patient and Public Involvement from Bradford University through my research on implementing person centred, meaningful activities for people living with dementia in a nursing home. 

In 2023 I commenced a PhD at Lancaster University.