Caroline studied a BA Hons in Social Policy at the University of Lancaster before going on to work with people with learning disabilities for several years. Her role involved maximising people’s independence and community inclusion. She went on to qualify as a Social Worker at the University of Edinburgh, achieving an MA Social Work and a CQSW and completed a dissertation on anti-discriminatory practice. After qualifying, she worked in statutory social work in a range of contexts. These included work with adults and children with learning disabilities, adults with mental health problems, older people with additional needs and people with physical disabilities. Her interest in community inclusion and addressing barriers to this has been maintained throughout her career.

After studying for a Postgraduate Teaching qualification, she initially taught on a Foundation Degree programme and an Access to Social Work programme before coming to Teesside. Since working at Teesside, she has taught across the Social Work Courses. Her focus is on Social Work with adults and she has a particular interest in safeguarding adults. She is currently Course Leader of the MA Social Work after having the role of Admissions Tutor for several years. She also delivers a Post-qualifying module in Safeguarding Adults.