About Julie Smiles
My engagement with the University started in 2003 when I enrolled as a part-time student on BA (Hons) Social Work. I graduated in 2007 and worked as a registered social worker in Safeguarding Children and Safeguarding Adults Teams across local authorities in the region.
I continued to support the social work courses by participating in workshops, teaching, interviewing applicants and as a practice educator to social work students. It was, therefore, a privilege as well as an excellent career opportunity to be offered a lecturer's post in 2017.
Teaching and supervision
As Programme Leader for BA (Hons) Social Work (Integrated Degree Apprenticeship, I support with the development, planning and delivery of this new model for social work education.
As a Senior Lecturer, I also teach across the apprenticeship and BA (Hons) Social Work.
I am a personal tutor for Level 4, 5 and 6 students as well as supporting them while on placements.
Interests
- Safeguarding adults – particularly self neglect and hoarding
- Poverty and homelessness
- Autism in young females
- Engagement and participation – lived experiences
Areas of expertise
- Safeguarding adults/children
- Self neglect
- Hoarding
- Mental capacity
- Deprivation of liberty safeguards (Best Interest Assessor)
Further information
Apart from my family, my other passion is Northern Soul – both the culture and the music – and along with my husband and friends, you will regularly find me at local, national and international Northern Soul venues, although my dancing abilities have slowly declined over the years.
My husband and I also love travelling – both home and abroad – and love the outdoors. We enjoy nothing more than packing the car up with our walking or camping gear on a weekend and heading off for some fresh air.
I also volunteer with North East Homeless (NEH), a registered charity that provides food, clothing, outreach support, and advice to not only those who are homeless but also those living in poverty in and around the north-east.