Dr Paul Taylor
Head of School
Biography
Dr. Paul Taylor is the Head of School, School of Humanities and Social Sciences at the University of Chester. In this capacity, Paul holds a range of responsibilities, ensuring the smooth operation and strategic development of the School. His duties include managing academic provision, promoting high-quality teaching, and encouraging research excellence across various areas of the School. As part of his leadership role, Paul also works with colleagues on the recruitment and development of the academic team, ensuring that staff are supported in their professional growth, while enhancing the student experience by fostering an inclusive and intellectually stimulating environment. His leadership at the University of Chester is marked by his commitment to both innovation in education and the advancement of research. He plays a pivotal role in setting the academic agenda, establishing research priorities, and guiding the School’s vision towards greater interdisciplinary collaboration. Beyond his administrative and teaching responsibilities, Paul is a researcher with a robust profile, particularly in criminology, sociology and mental health. His research interests are rooted in understanding the complexities of society, mental health issues, and their intersection with justice systems. Paul's work has had an impact on the fields of trauma, mental health, and occupational stress, particularly within high-risk professions such as policing, health services and military service. He is known for his insightful studies on the effects of traumatic work environments and the lived experience of frontline workers, as well as the societal implications of mental health care, control and pharmacholgical interventions. Throughout his career, Paul has contributed to scholarly discourse on topics such as mental health care policies, the criminal justice system, and the well-being of public service workers. His research not only advances academic knowledge but also informs practical applications, emphasising the importance of supporting those working in high-stress environments. In summary, Paul is an enthusiastic leader, a cited author/researcher, and a passionate advocate for social justice and mental health reform. His contributions to the University and the broader community are diverse, positioning him as a key member of the School's staff team who together work together in the pursuit of innovation in both research and education.
Teaching and Supervision
Paul leads the undergraduate dissertation module for students of social and political sciences. He also contributes to teaching and learning on the criminology programme and sociology programme. In addition to this, Paul is an experienced principal supervisor of students pursuing Professional Doctorates and PhDs.
Research and Knowledge Exchange
Paul's research and scholarly work are underpinned by sociological and criminological ideas and perspectives. He has a particular interest in how occupational biographies and working lives feature in social behaviours and experiences. For example, Paul has conducted research examining police firearms officer's mental health and wellbeing, former members of the armed forces experience of intimate partner victimisation, and occupational culture(s) among those who work within inpatient acute psychiatric care. Further to the above, Paul has scholarly interests, broadly, in the area of psychiatric power and social control. Namely: the convergence of mental health and criminal justice discourse, legislation, policy and practice; psychiatric 'care' in the 19th and early 20th century; and asylum/semi-penal institution architecture.