Lesley Deacon

Lesley Deacon is an Associate Professor of Practice Research at the University of Sunderland, holding multiple fellowships including NIHR ARC NENE Social Care Research Fellow and Senior Fellow AdvanceHE. She is a registered Social Worker and identifies as a neurodivergent academic-practitioner researcher. Her work focuses on practice research, neurodiversity, and safeguarding, emphasizing practitioner-led methodologies like Facilitated Practice-based Research (FPR). She leads modules on safeguarding and reflexive practice research, advocating for neuro-inclusive environments.

Her research bridges social work practice and research through FPR, a model empowering practitioners to co-design and implement relevant studies. Projects include community development in Wallsend, safeguarding practices, and ME/CFS stigma. She has supervised numerous PhDs on topics like transgender autistic experiences, hospital social work, and religion in social work. Awards include Senior Fellow AdvanceHE and NIHR ARC fellowships.

Lesley’s publications span ethical considerations in social care, hospital social work during pandemics, and participatory research frameworks. She collaborates with organizations like the NHS and community groups, promoting inclusive practices and policy impact. Current projects include studies on social worker support during ASYE and partner professional safeguarding dynamics.

Her teaching spans undergraduate and postgraduate programs, emphasizing experiential learning and professional ethics. She actively engages with interprofessional education and community outreach, reflecting her commitment to translating research into practice.