At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead transformative partnerships in social work education and research.
- Company: Kingston University, committed to innovation and societal impact.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Full-time, permanent role with a focus on collaboration and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in social work and community engagement.
- Qualifications: Strong academic background or practitioner experience in social work.
The predicted salary is between 60996 - 60996 £ per year.
Are you an experienced social work academic committed to building transformative partnerships that enhance education, research, and practice? We are seeking an Associate Professor in Social Work to lead and expand our external engagement across social care, health, and community sectors. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to Kingston University’s Town House Strategy, by strengthening and expanding collaboration with local authorities, the NHS, voluntary and community organisations, and service user groups.
You will play a key role in developing sustainable partnerships that support practice learning, co‑produced teaching, and impactful research aligned to sector needs. The post holder will contribute to high‑quality teaching and curriculum innovation, embedding Kingston’s Future Skills approach to prepare “sought‑after” graduates. You will also lead knowledge exchange activity that delivers real‑world impact, supporting workforce development and addressing local and regional priorities within social work and social care.
Please note, an enhanced with barred list Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check clearance is required for the role. You will be an established academic or experienced practitioner with a strong commitment to partnership working, innovation, and impact in social work. You will bring a strong track record (or clear trajectory) in research, knowledge exchange, or professional engagement.
You will demonstrate significant experience of building and sustaining partnerships across statutory, voluntary, and community sectors and the ability to translate collaboration into tangible outcomes, including student opportunities, workforce development, and applied research. You will have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a commitment to inclusive and collaborative working.
We are seeking a proactive and outward‑facing individual who can connect academic activity with practice, contribute to civic engagement, and support Kingston’s ambition to create meaningful societal impact through partnership and co‑production. Applicants must meet Kingston University’s learning and teaching standards. By the end of probation, you must achieve the relevant UKPSF recognition if not already obtained—either through our accredited Introduction to Learning and Teaching programme for new lecturers or the Kingston Academic Practice Standards framework for experienced educators.
Individualisation is very important to us at Kingston University’s School of Education, Midwifery and Social Work. For our students that means a philosophy where we go above and beyond to deliver learning that draws on a variety of technologies and approaches that develop the very best practitioners of tomorrow. For our staff we provide the support they need to enable them to succeed in the different aspects of their role, including teaching, supervision and research.
Everyone here enjoys an environment built on innovation where we recruit original thinkers who are motivated to explore new avenues and transform learners’ lives. This is a full‑time, permanent position with a starting salary of £60,996 per annum. Interviews are expected to be held on Thursday 16 July 2026. For informal enquiries, please contact Susan Watson, Head of Department of Social Work & Social Care.
Associate Professor in Social Work employer: KINGSTON UNIVERSITY
Kingston University is an exceptional employer for those passionate about social work, offering a vibrant and inclusive work culture that prioritises innovation and collaboration. As an Associate Professor in Social Work, you will have the opportunity to engage with local authorities and community organisations, fostering partnerships that lead to impactful research and practice. The university is committed to your professional growth, providing tailored support and resources to help you excel in teaching and research while contributing to meaningful societal change.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Professor in Social Work
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with folks in the social work field! Attend conferences, workshops, or local meet-ups. Building relationships can lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised yet.
✨Showcase Your Expertise
Don’t just wait for the interview; start sharing your knowledge now! Write articles, give talks, or engage on social media about current trends in social work. This will position you as a thought leader and make you more attractive to potential employers.
✨Tailor Your Approach
When reaching out to organisations, customise your message to highlight how your experience aligns with their goals. Show them you understand their needs and how you can contribute to their mission.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Make sure to apply through our website for the best chance at landing that Associate Professor role! We love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our institution’s values and mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Associate Professor in Social Work
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role. We want to see how you can contribute to our mission at Kingston University, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant skills and experiences!
Showcase Your Partnerships:Since building transformative partnerships is key for this role, share specific examples of collaborations you've led or been part of. We love seeing how you've made a real impact in social work and education through these connections.
Highlight Your Teaching Philosophy:We’re keen on innovative teaching approaches, so be sure to explain your philosophy and how it aligns with our Future Skills approach. Let us know how you engage students and prepare them for the real world!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly and gives you a chance to explore more about us and what we stand for.
How to prepare for a job interview at KINGSTON UNIVERSITY
✨Know Your Partnerships
Before the interview, research the key partnerships that Kingston University has with local authorities, the NHS, and community organisations. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to these collaborations and bring innovative ideas to strengthen them.
✨Showcase Your Impact
Prepare specific examples of your past work in social work that demonstrate your ability to create tangible outcomes through partnership working. Highlight any successful projects or initiatives you've led that align with the role's focus on real-world impact.
✨Emphasise Communication Skills
Given the importance of communication in this role, think about how you can showcase your interpersonal skills during the interview. Consider sharing anecdotes that illustrate your ability to engage with diverse stakeholders and foster inclusive collaboration.
✨Align with Kingston’s Values
Familiarise yourself with Kingston University's Future Skills approach and their commitment to individualisation in education. Be prepared to discuss how your teaching philosophy aligns with these values and how you can contribute to developing sought-after graduates.
