Polly Sykes

Academic Biography

I qualified as a social worker in 2003. I spent most of my front line social work career working with disabled people, including children, young people preparing for adulthood, and adults. Having seen the challenges faced by those that I work with, I am enthusiastic about the need for social justice and equality.

I qualified as a Practice Educator in 2008 and I have supported a number of students as both an on-site and off-site Practice Educator. I am keen to ensure that all students have a sound placement experience, and I have worked with colleagues to undertake research into the placement experience of people from minority ethnic backgrounds. 

I joined the university in 2013, and I am currently the Director of Practice Learning and Chair of the Fitness to Practice Panel. I represent the university with the 'Yorkshire Urban and Rural Teaching Partnership', which is funded by the Department for Education and aims to improve social work education and employment. 

Qualifications

• Postgraduate certificate in Academic Practice (2019)
• BA (hons) Business & Management at Leeds Met University 2012
• Practice Educator Award 2008 
• MSc Applied Social Work at Oxford University 2003
• BA (hons) Biblical Studies & Philosophy at Sheffield University 1999

Teaching

I am involved in various aspects of the Social Work course. In particular, I lead the following modules:

• Knowledge into Practice
• Social Work Across the Lifecourse
• Practice Education Professional Standards (Stage 1)
• Community Practice Experience