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.
School of Education, Midwifery & Social Work
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 Mrs Susan Watson, Head of Department of Social Work & Social Care.
Bring your true self, expertise, and passion to Kingston where we are continuing to strive to build a university where authentic inclusion and belonging is at its heart. Every one of our staff and students’ identities, backgrounds and diverse experiences makes us who we are - so harness and embrace yours by applying today. We welcome applications from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, LGBTQ+ communities and those with disabilities.
We are a place-based organisation, proud of our location in Kingston and the civic role we play in our community. Our campuses inspire collaborative, innovative and creative communities. Being present on campus is important to us because it helps us to create a sense of belonging for both our staff and students. Therefore, staff are expected to be on campus for the majority of their working week.
Candidates must be able to demonstrate their eligibility to work in the UK in accordance with the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006. Where required, this may include entry clearance or continued leave to remain under the Points Based Immigration Scheme.
To apply click on ‘Apply Now’. If, for accessibility reasons, you need to apply in an alternative format, please email [email protected] or call the HR Shared Services team on 020 8417 3118.
