Vanessa Goldsmith | University of Chester

I undertook an undergraduate degree in Applied Community Studies and spent several years working with adults with learning disabilities before returning to education and completing the DipSW in 2003 followed by a master's degree in Social Work in 2005. I gained my post qualifying experience working in the PVI sector with young care leavers where I progressed to managing a service specialising in promoting the transition of disadvantaged young people into education, employment and training opportunities. Throughout this time I also worked as a Practice Educator, the passion of which led me to complete the Practice Teacher Award in 2006.

I left practice in 2010 to focus on my role as a mother and worked as an Independent Off Site Practice Educator for several years.

I joined the University as a Visiting Lecturer in 2015 and more recently in 2019 in my current post.

I am the Module Leader for the BA Social Work Readiness for Direct Practice and Placement Preparation Modules.

I also lead and teach on the Practice Educator Professional Standards for social Work CPD Module.

My main interest lies in ensuring a quality placement experience for both students and placement providers. I remain passionate about all aspects of Practice Education which is my main area of research interest.

I am currently involved in a research project funded through the Cheshire & Merseyside Teaching Partnership “A comparative analysis of two distinct models of Practice Education within Local Authority Placements”.

Fellow Higher Education Academy
PGCert in Higher Education
Practice Teachers Award
MA Social Work
DipSW
BA(Hons) Applied Community Studies
SWE Registered Social Worker