Hayley is a passionate advocate for participatory practice and child welfare reform, with a background in frontline social work, education, and research. Since qualifying in 2013, she has worked across local authorities in the South West, specialising in statutory childcare social work and supporting children, young people, and their families.

In 2017, Hayley moved into higher education, contributing to social work training at The Open University and the Frontline programme. Since joining UWE Bristol in 2022 as a Senior Lecturer, she has continued to integrate practical experience with academic research, shaping the next generation of social workers.

Her research focuses on children’s participation in decision-making, particularly the experiences of care-experienced young people. Through her publications and projects, she seeks to bridge the gap between research and practice, ensuring children’s voices are heard and families are meaningfully involved in decisions about their lives.