Matthew Smith

Biography

Having qualified as a social worker in 1997, I have undertaken several roles within the social care and social work field.  My interest in pursuing a career in social work began after working with children who had severe learning disabilities within a residential unit offering short-term breaks.  Caring for, supporting and encouraging the social participation in the community of young people with a range of learning and physical disabilities, health conditions and autism encouraged me to reconsider my career goals and as a result, I chose to pursue a career in social work.

Upon attaining my social work qualification in 1997 from The University of Plymouth and relocating to the North West, I undertook a variety of roles including working as a residential social worker with young people who had a history of offending and young people with learning disabilities in full time care before progressing into statutory children services.  I worked within child protection services for a number of years before returning to the disability field as a social worker supporting families of disabled children. I eventually becoming a team manager of the service in 2008 continuing in this role until 2012.  I found being a social worker an immensely challenging but rewarding experience.  One of the most positive aspects of the role was being able to work with parents, carers and other professionals to be able to make a positive contribution and enabling lasting change to children’s lives. 

One area in which I particularly enjoyed was supporting and developing social work students on placement as a practice educator.  It was through this role of assessing and enabling students to achieve their ambitions that prompted me to consider a role in academia. I joined the University of Cumbria in May 2012 and have been the programme lead for the BA (Hons) Social Work Programme since this time; helping students attain their own goals and pursue a career in this fantastic profession.

Qualifications and memberships

Qualifiactions

1997 BSc (Hons) Social Work and Social Policy, University of Plymouth

1997 Diploma in Social Work, CCETSW, University of Plymouth

2004 Post Qualifying Award in Social Work (level 1)

2008 Graduate Diploma in Professional Studies in Child Care (Specialist Award in Social Work) (Post Qualifying Award in Social Work (level 2-6) (at level 7)

2014 PGCE Education and Professional Practice

Memberships

2012 Health and Care Professionals Council

2013 Fellow of the Higher Edcuation Academy

Academic and research interests

Social Work with a specialist interest in:

Children and Families Work’

Child Protection

Disabled Children,

Social Policy

Social Care Legislation and the impact on practice

View staff directory