Tell us about yourself

I am a lecturer in Criminal Justice in the School of Law at the University of Leeds. Previously, I led the police degree apprenticeship at Northumbria University (2019-2023) and served as an Associate Inspector for HM Inspectorate of Constabulary in Scotland (2017-2021), contributing to thematic inspections on police governance, policing priorities, and the training and development of women and minority ethnic officers within Police Scotland.

My interdisciplinary research examines the efficacy of police governance arrangements to ensure policing remains responsive to the needs of diverse communities. I am particularly interested in the structures of police governance and the roles of local and national actors, including public and private entities, as well as knowledge and expertise, in shaping policing policies, priorities, and ensuring scrutiny and accountability.

Tell us about your Early Career Researcher (ECR) Development Fund project, funded by the Centre

My project aims to deepen the understanding and conceptualisation of climate vulnerability. The research will address knowledge gaps regarding the impacts of climate change in exacerbating social vulnerability, including socio-economic inequalities and intersectional disadvantage. Furthermore, it will provide insights and best practices on local response, adaptation, and mitigation strategies concerning climate disasters and extreme weather events.

How does your research connect to the Centre’s mission and values?

In line with the Centre’s overarching focus on identifying, exacerbating, and mitigating vulnerabilities, my research explores how climate change and extreme weather events compound social vulnerabilities. It aims to highlight the structural and systemic barriers hindering adaptation to climate change. By co-producing the research with police practitioners, my goal is to promote knowledge and understanding of climate vulnerability and provide insights and best practices on how local governance actors can engage with communities to enhance local resilience and facilitate adaptation to climate change.