Kate Morris

Professor Kate Morris is a Professor of Social Work at the University of Sheffield’s School of Sociological Studies, Politics and International Relations. She previously held roles as Director of the Centre for Social Work at the University of Nottingham and Deputy Head of School. Her career bridges academic research, policy, and practice with a focus on social work’s role in addressing family dynamics and child welfare inequities.

Her research emphasizes family-centered approaches to child protection, safeguarding reform, and addressing systemic inequalities. Key areas include family participation in care decisions, early intervention strategies, and the impact of poverty on child welfare. She led the national evaluation of the Children’s Fund (2003–2006) and currently co-leads studies on family perspectives in child welfare and ‘Think Family’ policy frameworks.

Professor Morris actively contributes to social work reform through roles like chairing JUCSWEC and serving on editorial boards for Families, Societies and Relationships and Relational Social Work. Her work critiques risk-driven child protection systems, advocating for more socially inclusive and participatory practices. She supervises PhD students focusing on family practices, child protection, and social work interventions.

Major grants include studies on domestic abuse responses, child welfare inequalities under austerity, and comparative analyses of family-based welfare work across welfare regimes. Her publications span over 30 peer-reviewed articles and books, emphasizing systemic reforms and equity-centered social work practices.