معرفی
Dr. Kathryn Mackay is a Lecturer in Social Work at the University of Stirling, specializing in adult safeguarding, human rights, and participatory research methods. She holds a PhD by publication exploring the intersections of citizenship, discretion, and ethics in social work practice.
Her educational background includes a BA in Public Administration with a Social Work option, an MSc in Applied Social Research, and a Professional Qualification in Social Work from Robert Gordon University. She has over 35 years of experience in social work practice and policy, transitioning from frontline roles to academia in 1997.
Research Interests: Mackay focuses on adult safeguarding legislation, mental capacity law, and the Convention on Rights for Persons with Disabilities. Her work emphasizes participatory methods to co-produce knowledge with practitioners and service users. Key themes include balancing rights and safety, ethical dilemmas in safeguarding, and systemic inequities in care systems.
Articles Overview: Her recent publications address adult safeguarding frameworks, carer harm dynamics, and older adults' experiences of vulnerability. The work demonstrates a critical approach to policy implementation and the need for rights-based practices over punitive measures. Methodologically, she advocates for co-researcher partnerships to ensure marginalized voices shape outcomes.
Advising & Grants: While no formal student list is provided, her research projects involve collaborative investigations with practitioners and service users. She contributes to the Public Services and Governance research group, focusing on policy implications of safeguarding practices.
