As a member of the SORD (Social Research with Deaf People) group, Rosie is in the final year of her PhD programme at the University of Manchester. Her case award is funded by the ESRC (Economic Social Research Council). Her professional background includes social work and research.

Rosie is being supervised by Professor Alys Young and Doctor Patricia Cartney, both from the University of Manchester under the faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health. In partnership with Manchester City Council, the study involves the exploration of parenting assessments in relation to safeguarding in instances when one or more parent is a Deaf BSL (British Sign Language) user. This is an important recognition of the significance of cultural competence in assessments involving Deaf parents who are more readily regarded as disabled rather than minority language users from a recognised cultural community. It will also explore the means to a more effective assessment practice from an asset-based perspective that regards assessment as an opportunity for supportive actions, along the wellbeing-safeguarding-child protection continuum.

Rosie is a qualified social worker and is registered with Social Work England.

Social Work England Registered Social Worker

Rosie is involved in a number of local and national campaigns to promote the rights of deaf people. 

In research, she was first appointed as a Research Assistant by SORD in 2008, working on several projects which included deaf children in social work, education for young deaf children, BSL-IAPT evaluation, and also older deaf people considering care options. In addition, Rosie has carried out a number of consultations with organisations including RAD (Royal Deaf Association) in relation to their services, and NDCS (National Deaf Children's Society) on the availability of educational resources for deaf young people. 

The last research project that she was involved in was 'Translating the Deaf Self', funded by the Arts & Humanities Research Council (AHRC). In collaboration with Professor Jemina Napier and her team at Heriot-Watt University, the work is seen as unique, as it continues investigating the cultural and social impact of translation on Deaf people who use sign language translators/interpreters, in art formats.  

In 2013, she completed her Master of Research in Health and Social Care degree, and is now undertaking the final stages of her doctoral training in Social Work. 

MRes in Health and Social Care

BA Hons. in Social Work Studies

Diploma in Social Work

British Sign Language Stage 3 (CACDP)