Joanne Doherty

Joanne Doherty is a Lecturer in Education at the Manchester Institute of Education, with expertise in school governance, parental engagement, education policy, and educational leadership. She is Programme Director for the MA in Educational Leadership and a member of the Critical Education Leadership and Policy (CELP) and Higher Education Research Group (HERE).

• Doctor of Education, University of East Anglia (2001)
• Master of Science in Educational Research, University of Manchester (1997)
• Bachelor of Arts in Education Studies with Social Policy, University of Central Lancashire (1996)

Her research examines the intersection of school governance, parental engagement, and education policy, focusing on how professionalized practices shape actors' experiences. She employs qualitative methods to explore identity, biographies, and social justice in education. Recent work highlights unintended consequences of policy on school leaders and approaches to mitigating turnover.

Her publications and conference activities emphasize themes such as professionalization, school governance, educational equity, and organizational challenges. Collaborations with scholars like Courtney, McKay, and Heffernan reflect her engagement with critical policy analysis and leadership studies.

Scientific awards include Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. She supervises undergraduate and postgraduate students and serves as a School Governor at Hebden Bridge Schools Federation, bridging research and practice.