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: Join a dynamic team focused on developing future practitioners.
- 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 in Kingston upon Thames employer: KINGSTON UNIVERSITY
Kingston University is an exceptional employer for those passionate about social work, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises innovation and collaboration. With a strong commitment to employee growth, staff are supported through tailored development opportunities and encouraged to engage in impactful research and community partnerships. Located in a dynamic educational environment, the university fosters a sense of purpose, enabling employees to make meaningful contributions to society while preparing the next generation of practitioners.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Professor in Social Work in Kingston upon Thames
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with folks in the social work sector! 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 talk about your experience; show it! Create a portfolio or a personal website where you can highlight your research, teaching methods, and any partnerships you've developed. This will make you stand out when you’re chatting with potential employers.
✨Engage on Social Media
Use platforms like LinkedIn to share your insights and engage with others in the field. Join relevant groups and participate in discussions. It’s a great way to get noticed and connect with people who might be looking for someone just like you!
✨Apply Through Our Website
When you find a role that excites you, apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our community.
We think you need these skills to ace Associate Professor in Social Work in Kingston upon Thames
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 achievements!
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 let us know about your teaching philosophy and any unique methods you’ve used. This is your chance to show how you prepare students for the future and engage them in meaningful learning experiences.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, it makes the process smoother for everyone involved.
How to prepare for a job interview at KINGSTON UNIVERSITY
✨Know Your Partnerships
Before the interview, research the local authorities, NHS, and community organisations that Kingston University collaborates with. Be ready to discuss how you can enhance these partnerships and what innovative ideas you have for building new ones.
✨Showcase Your Impact
Prepare specific examples of your past work in social work that demonstrate your ability to create tangible outcomes. Highlight any successful projects or initiatives you've led that align with the role's focus on practice learning and workforce development.
✨Emphasise Communication Skills
Since excellent communication is key for this role, think of instances where your interpersonal skills made a difference. Be prepared to discuss how you foster inclusive and collaborative environments in your teaching and partnerships.
✨Align with Kingston’s Values
Familiarise yourself with Kingston University's Future Skills approach and their commitment to individualisation in education. Be ready to articulate how your teaching philosophy aligns with these values and how you plan to contribute to curriculum innovation.
