Jenny Rafter

Jenny Rafter serves as Associate Professor and Deputy Head of School for Social Work at Anglia Ruskin University (ARU), based in Chelmsford within the School of Allied Health and Social Care under the Faculty of Health, Medicine and Social Care. She transformed ARU's social work program into a top-ten Guardian league table ranking and exceeded sector standards in the National Student Survey since her 2019 appointment.

Her educational credentials include a BSc in Social Psychology (Loughborough University), MA in Social Work (London Metropolitan University), Practice Education qualification (ARU), and PGCert in Education (ARU). She is currently pursuing a Professional Doctorate in Education focused on school-based practice.

Rafter pioneered the SWIS (Social Workers in Schools) project during the pandemic, now operating in over 130 schools with regional expansion through teaching partnerships. Her research examines school social work's role in safeguarding, poverty contexts, and identity navigation for marginalized youth, establishing an international academic network that hosted ARU's September 2024 conference.

Recent publications reveal evolving trends in school social work: increasing focus on intersectional identities (LGBTQ+, Black students), community-based interventions in educational settings, and innovative placement methodologies that bridge theory-practice gaps while addressing systemic deprivation.

Her accolades include consistent student-voted 'Made a difference' awards recognizing exceptional teaching and mentorship, and 2023 shortlisting for a national award in keeping children in education—which led to Department for Education consultations with Chief Social Worker.

As a Senior Fellow in Higher Education, Rafter mentors social work students through SWIS placements and secured regional degree apprenticeships. She champions student-led advocacy, exemplified by ARU students presenting impactful school interventions at national policy meetings.

Rafter leads ARU's SWIS initiative as both research project and operational framework, coordinating 130+ school partnerships across East England. Her international network connects academics globally to advance school social work through collaborative conferences and shared practice models.