Karl Mason

Karl Mason is a Senior Lecturer in Social Work and Course Lead for the MSc Social Work at Royal Holloway, University of London, Department of Law and Criminology. He co-leads the department's Health and Social Care research cluster and teaches across BSc, MSc, and Advanced Practice programs, with leadership in modules on housing, law, and research methods.

Education:

• Bachelor in Social Studies, Trinity College, University of Dublin (2002)
• National Qualification in Social Work (Ireland), National Social Work Qualification Board (2002)
• PG Cert Best Interests Assessor, Bournemouth University (2011)
• MSc Advanced Practice, Royal Holloway, University of London (2015)
• Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (2019)

His research centers on how marginalized adults access social care, focusing on discriminatory abuse, safeguarding, homelessness, and human rights in care homes. He employs socio-legal and qualitative approaches to examine structural inequities and professional responses.

Recent publications highlight trends in social work education, legal jurisdiction in adult safeguarding, and epistemic justice for homeless individuals. His work spans qualitative methods, socio-legal analysis, and policy evaluation, contributing to both academic discourse and practitioner guidance.

Scientific Awards:

• Emerald Literati Award - Outstanding Paper (2019)
• Emerald Literati Award - Outstanding Reviewer (2019)
• LSS Excellence in Teaching and Student Support Award (2021)

Karl Mason holds significant advisory and editorial roles: external examiner at University of Hull and Ulster University, editorial board member for 'Practice: Social Work in Action', and active contributor to national safeguarding policy via the Local Government Association. He leads research grants, conducts Safeguarding Adult Reviews as consultancy, and mentors peers. He has organized international conferences on sexuality and social work and frequently presents to academic and practitioner audiences.

He is currently finalizing his PhD on the perspectives of homeless individuals regarding their support needs. His work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in social justice and inclusive education.