Research Fellow

As a social work academic I have significant practice and research experience in social work both in the UK and abroad. After graduating as a qualified social worker in 2002, I worked in a number of UK statutory Adult and Older Person’s teams in hospital and community contexts, taking on the role of senior practitioner in later years.

Since completing my PhD at the University of Southampton in 2009 I have worked as a Research Fellow at the Tilda Goldberg Centre on several studies, I have held a one year ESRC post-doctoral fellowship at the University of Southampton under Prof Patrick O’Leary and have been successful as securing research funding (including as a Principal Investigator on one project).

I am now undertaking a British Academy funded post-doctoral fellowship on Early Marriage and Early Childbearing in Islamic Contexts. The overall aim of the study is to improve knowledge and develop a culturally relevant framework of risk and protective factors associated with early marriage and early childbearing in Islamic and refugee contexts using an ecological framework which is cognisant of and informed by Islamic thought and community processes.

Following my PhD, which explored the coping strategies of young women in Mozambique during unintended pregnancy, I have had a growing interest in the relationship between international social work and social development. This reflected in my current teaching commitments on the Masters in International Social Work and Social Development.

I am currently connected with the Centre for Social Development in Africa (CSDA) at the University of Johannesburg, South Africa, as a Research associate, and with Griffith University in Australia. I am also active in several research networks on Child Protection in Islamic Contexts, SRH needs of unaccompanied asylum seeking minors, and Understanding Risk Behaviours in South Africa.

Research interests include early marriage and early childbearing, supporting transitions to adulthood, frameworks of risk, resilience and protection, refugees and international social work practice using mixed methodologies

Qualifications

• Diploma in Social Work - University of Southampton, 2002
• Masters in Social Work - University of Southampton, 2002
• MSc in Research Methods - University of Southampton, 2005
• PhD in Social Work - University of Southampton, 2009

Teaching Role

I am currently a member of team which developed the Masters in International Social Work and Social Development at Institute of Applied Social Research, University of Bedfordshire, validated in May 2014.

Unit lead for core 30 credit unit on Masters in International Social Work and Social Development entitled ‘International Social Work and Social Development'. Unit content includes:

• Contextual and historical analysis of international social work and social development, including an introduction to modernity, tradition, colonisation and globalisation
• Ethics, values and professional identity (including an introduction to human rights, advocacy and social justice; ethical frameworks and decision-making; and professional regulation)
• Theories of global trends and local experiences of human needs
• Responses to human needs including an overview of models and approaches of international social work and international social development
• Global and local policy/legislative context for international social work, including global governance and welfare systems
• Poverty, inequality and economic development
• Power, gender and development
• Drivers and actors of international social work and social development (this will be further supported by a practice workshop which examines accountability and transparency of actors of international social work and social development)
• Social work and social development across the globe (examples from sub-Saharan Africa, South America, the Middle East and North Africa, South and South East Asia and the global north)
• Issues in the international transfer of social work practice (cultural competence; indigenising social work; ecological framework; application of human rights frameworks; professional education; linking the global and local)

Research Interests

• The relationship between international social work and social development (particularly in sub-Saharan Africa)
• Youth transitions in developing contexts
• Early marriage and early childbearing
• Child protection in Islamic contents
• Child protection in refugee contexts
• Frameworks of risk, resilience and protection (including coping strategies)
• Social work and substance use in the UK
• Mixed methodologies

Current Research Projects

British Academy Postdoctoral Fellowship

• Title: Examining the protective environment for young mothers and their children in Islamic contexts: Risks, vulnerability and protective factors
• Award lifespan: 1^st January 2014 – 31^st December 2019 (part-time)

Abstract: Childbearing under 16 years is associated with a range of health and social risks to both mother and child, yet little is known about the nature of childbearing or rearing in this population. Religion is an important factor which influences social practices, and socio-cultural factors are critical determinants of care seeking and service utilisation during childbearing and rearing. While there is a growing policy concern regarding high levels of early childbearing in some Muslim majority contexts, related Islamic knowledge, teachings and processes are not well integrated into these strategies.

Using a range of methods (both quantitative and qualitative) this study will examine the role of Islamic thought and teachings in ‘protecting’ young mothers and their children, and investigate the interface between Islamic teachings and local health and social policies. A culturally relevant framework of risk and protective factors impacting early childbearing and rearing which is informed by Islamic thought and community processes will then be tested using survey data.

WUN networking grant

• Title: Negotiating transition to a ‘grown up world’: the journey to sexual and reproductive health for unaccompanied adolescent asylum seekers
• Applicant(s): Dr Jane March-McDonald – Dr Aisha Hutchinson is named as one of the main participants
• Awarded: December 2014
• Award lifespan: 1^st January 2015 – 31^st December 2015

Recent Research Projects

• ‘Working with Substance Use: Experiences of social work and social care professionals’ a one year project funded through the Tilda Goldberg Centre – completed April 2011
• ‘Social Work and Social Development for the promotion of social wellbeing: Bridging the research gap’, a one year ESRC post doctoral fellowship held from 1^st May 2011 until 30^th April 2012
• ‘Child Protection in Islamic Contexts’ – on-going partnership with Islamic Relief Worldwide, Terre Des Hommes Lausanne Foundation, Griffith University, Qatar University, the University of Southampton and Islamic International University of Malaysia
• ‘Building capacity and bridging the gaps: Alcohol and other drugs in social care practice, education and employment-based training’ a 14 month project funded by Alcohol Research UK from 1^st February 2012 – 31^st March 2013
• ‘The neglected years: development and protection of 5-14 years olds in developing countries’ currently funded by the University of Southampton Faculty of Social and Human Sciences Inter-disciplinary Strategic Research Development Fund
• ‘The democratisation of social research: Reciprocal learning across boundaries in the development of a contextually relevant framework of risk for South African young adults’ funded by the British Academy International Partnerships and Mobility Scheme from January 2013 – December 2015

Recent Publications

Publications Forthcoming

• Hutchinson, A.J. ‘Book Review: Achieving successful transitions for young people with disabilities: A practical Guide’ requested by British Journal of Social Work on 18^th November 2015
• Hutchinson, A., Waterhouse, P., Neale, S., March-MacDonald, J., and Ingham, R. ‘Understanding early marriage and transactional sex in the contexts of armed conflict: Protection at a price’ accepted by International Perspective on Sexual and Reproductive Health on 9^th November, due for publication in March 2016
• Hutchinson, A.J. and O’Leary, P. ‘Young Mothers in Islamic Contexts: Implications for Social Work and Social Development’ recently accepted by International Social Work on 5^th October for special Issue on Islamic Social Work
• Hutchinson, A. ‘Using a strengths -based perspective to develop research on young women's coping strategies in Mozambique’, accepted by Social Dialogue on 12^th October for a special edition on International Social Work Research

Publications in Press

Peer Reviewed Journal Articles

• O’Leary, P. Hutchinson, A.J. and Squire, J. (2015) ‘Community-Based Child Protection with Palestinian Refugees in South Lebanon: Engendering hope and safety’ International Social Work, 58(5), p717-731, DOI: 10.1177/0020872815584427
• Hutchinson, A.J., O’Leary, P., Squire, J. and Hope, K. (2015) ‘Child Protection in Islamic Contexts: Identifying Cultural and Religious Appropriate Mechanisms and Processes Using a Roundtable Methodology’ Child Abuse Review, 24, p395–40. DOI: 10.1002/car.2304
• Hutchinson, A.J. (2014) ‘Surviving, coping or thriving? Using the concept of coping strategies to understand and promote health and social well-being in Mozambique’, British Journal of Social Work, 44(4), p972-991.DOI: 10.1093/bjsw/bcs167
• Hutchinson, A. and Allnock D. (2014) ‘Implementing Rigorous Survey Methodology within Contexts of Social Work Education, Training and Practice: A Case Study in Substance Use’ Social Work Education, 33(5), p605-618, DOI: 10.1080/02615479.2014.919071
• Hutchinson, A. and Allnock, D. (2014) ‘The development of post qualifying alcohol and other drugs education in Children’s and Adults’ Services: Embedding AOD training in social care strategy’ Social Work Education, 33(5), p589-604, DOI: 10.1080/02615479.2014.919069
• Allnock, D. and Hutchinson, A. (2014) ‘Characteristics of employment-based training on alcohol and other drugs in England: Are social care practitioners in Children's and Adults' services adequately prepared?’ Social Work Education, 33(6) p760-773, DOI: 10.1080/02615479.2014.919068
• Dance, C., Galvani, S., and Hutchinson, A. (2014) ‘The extent and nature of practitioners’ encounters with substance misuse in social work and social care practice’ Social Work Education, 33(5), p557-572, DOI: 10.1080/02615479.2014.919066
• Galvani, G., Hutchinson, A.J. and Dance, C. (2014) ‘Identifying and assessing substance use: findings from a national survey of social work and social care professionals’ British Journal of Social Work, 44(7), p1895-1913, DOI: 10.1093/bjsw/bct033
• Hutchinson, A.J., Galvani, G. and Dance, C. (2013) ‘Working with substance use: Levels and predictors of positive therapeutic attitudes across social care practitioners in England’, Drug: Education, Prevention and Policy, 20(4) p312-321, DOI:10.3109/09687637.2013.765385
• Galvani, G., Dance, C. and Hutchinson, A.J. (2013) ‘Substance use training experience and needs: findings from a national survey of social care professional in England’, Social Work Education, v32(7), p888-905, DOI: 10.1080/02615479.2012.719493
• Taplin, A.J. (2009) ‘Promoting reciprocal relationships – examining the ‘give and take’ in Social Science Research’ 21^st Century Society, 4 (2) p229-240, DOI:10.1080/17450140903000332

Book Chapters

• Hutchinson, A., and Dance, C. (2015) ‘Knowledge exchange as a dynamic dissemination tool’ in Hardwick, L., Smith, R., and Worsley, C. (eds), Innovations in Social Work Research, Jessica Kingsley: London.
• Hutchinson, A. and Allnock D. (2015) ‘Implementing Rigorous Survey Methodology within Contexts of Social Work Education, Training and Practice: A Case Study in Substance Use’ in Loughran, H and Livingston, W. (eds) Substance Use in Social Work Education and Training: Preparing for and supporting practice, Routledge: London.
• Hutchinson, A. and Allnock, D. (2015) ‘The development of post qualifying alcohol and other drugs education in Children’s and Adults’ Services: Embedding AOD training in social care strategy’ in Loughran, H and Livingston, W. (eds) Substance Use in Social Work Education and Training: Preparing for and supporting practice, Routledge: London.
• Allnock, D. and Hutchinson, A. (2015) ‘Characteristics of employment-based training on alcohol and other drugs in England: Are social care practitioners in Children's and Adults' services adequately prepared?’ in Loughran, H and Livingston, W. (eds) Substance Use in Social Work Education and Training: Preparing for and supporting practice, Routledge: London.
• Dance, C., Galvani, S., and Hutchinson, A. (2015) ‘The extent and nature of practitioners’ encounters with substance misuse in social work and social care practice’ in Loughran, H and Livingston, W. (eds) Substance Use in Social Work Education and Training: Preparing for and supporting practice, Routledge: London.
• Hutchinson, A.J. (2013) ‘Care management’ in Davis, M. (eds) Blackwell Companion to Social Work (4^thEdition), Oxford: Blackwell
• Hutchinson, A.J. (2013) ‘Strengths-based/Resilience theory’ in Davis, M. (eds) Blackwell Companion to Social Work (4^th Edition), Oxford: Blackwell
• Forrester, D., and Hutchinson, A. J. (2012) ‘Social work and Substance Use: Theory’ in Davis, M. (eds) Social Work with Adults: From Policy to Practice, Macmillan Publications

Book Reviews

• Hutchinson, A.J. (2013) ‘Book Review: Social Work in Africa: Exploring Culturally Relevant Education and Practice in Ghana’, Social Work Education, 32(2), p278-279
• Hutchinson, A.J. (2011) ‘Book Review: Community development in Asia and the Pacific’ Journal of Comparative Social Welfare, 27(1), p103-107

Final reports

• Allnock, D. and Hutchinson, A. (2013) Building capacity and bridging the gaps: Alcohol and other drugs in social care practice, education and employment-based training. Strand 3: Alcohol and other drugs in social care employment-based learning and development, Tilda Goldberg Centre for Social Work and Social Care, University of Bedfordshire.
• Galvani, S., Allnock, D., Dance, G., and Hutchinson, A. (2013) Building capacity and bridging the gaps: Alcohol and other drugs in social care practice, education and employment-based training. Summary report: Strands 1-3, Tilda Goldberg Centre for Social Work and Social Care, University of Bedfordshire
• Galvani, S., Dance, C. and Hutchinson, A. (2011) From the front line: alcohol, drugs and social care practice.  A national study. Tilda Goldberg Centre for Social Work and Social Care, University of Bedfordshire
• Hutchinson, A. (2011) Research Briefings: Coping strategies for social well-being and social development intervention: Young women and unintended pregnancy in Mozambique, University of Southampton
• Taplin, A.J. (2009) Coping strategies for social wellbeing and social development intervention: Young women and unintended pregnancy in Mozambique, PhD Thesis, University of Southampton

Conference presentations

• Hutchinson, A.J. and O’Leary 'Child Protection in Islamic Contexts Symposium - Examining the protective environment for young mothers and their children in Islamic contexts: promoting resilience, empowerment, safety and respect' paper presented in a symposium at ISPCAN International Congress on Child Abuse and Neglect, Japan, September 2014.
• Hutchinson, A.J. and O’Leary ‘Child Protection in Islamic Contexts Symposium - Facilitating dialog and collaboration across child protection communities: Child protection in Islamic contexts roundtable' paper presented in a symposium at ISPCAN International Congress on Child Abuse and Neglect, Japan, September 2014.
• Galvani, S., Dance, C., Hutchinson, A.J. and Allnock, D. ‘Substance use in education and training: connecting social work research and education practice’ paper presented at 8th UK Social Work Research Conference, JSWEC, London, 23^rd– 25^th July 2014
• Hutchinson, A.J. and O’Leary, P. ‘Facilitating Dialog and Collaboration Across Child Protection Communities: Child Protection in Islamic Contexts Roundtable’ paper presented at Joint World Conference in Social Work and Social Development, Melbourne, Australia, July 2014
• O’Leary, P. and Hutchinson, A.J. ‘Community-Based Child Protection with Palestinian Refugees in South Lebanon: Increasing safety and hope’ paper presented at Joint World Conference in Social Work and Social Development, Melbourne, Australia, July 2014
• Hutchinson, A.J., Jordan, L. and Thomas, R. ‘Reciprocal Learning Across Boundaries in the Development of a Contextually Relevant Framework of Risk for South African Young Adults’ paper presented at Joint World Conference in Social Work and Social Development, Melbourne, Australia, July 2014
• Hutchinson, A.J., Galvani, S., and Dance, C. ‘Knowledge exchange as a participatory research tool: Alcohol and other drugs in social work practice’ paper presented at the 4^th European Conference for Social Work Research, Bozano-Bozen, Italy, 15^th-17^th April 2014 (abstract to be published in conference proceedings)
• Hutchinson, A.J. and O’Leary, P. ‘Community Based Child Protection with Palestinian Refugees’, paper presented at the International Association of Schools of Social Work, Stockholm, 9^th – 12^thJuly 2012.
• O’Leary, P. and Hutchinson, A.J. ‘Protecting Extremely Vulnerable Palestinian Children: The Experience of Child Protection Social Workers in Southern Lebanon’, paper presented at the British Association for the Study and Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect (BASPCAN), Belfast, Northern Ireland, 15^th – 18^th April 2012
• Hutchinson, A.J. ‘Coping with conflictual relationships to increase social well-being: Young mums in Mozambique’, paper presented at the British Association for the Study and Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect (BASPCAN), Belfast, Northern Ireland, 15^th– 18^th April 2012
• Hutchinson, A.J. ‘Conducting coping research to inform social development intervention with young women in Mozambique – Research considerations and implications’, paper presented at the 2^nd European Conference for Social Work Research, Basil, Switzerland, 22^nd – 24^th March 2012 (abstract to be published in conference proceedings)
• Hutchinson, A. J. ‘Determinants of Unintended Pregnancy Among Young Women in Mozambique and the Coping Strategies used during Pregnancy’, paper presented at the Sixth African Population Conference, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, 5^th – 9^th December 2011 (extended abstract to be published in conference proceedings)
• Galvani, S., Dance, C. and Hutchinson, A.J. ‘From the front line: alcohol, drugs and social work practice - a national study’ a day conference consisting of 6 presentations from this national study organised by Galvani, S., Dance, C. and Hutchinson, A.J, Manchester, 14^th November 2011 and London, 9^th March 2012
• Galvani, S., Dance, C. and Hutchinson, A. J. ‘From the front line: alcohol, drugs and social work practice - a national study’ Presented at 5th UK Social Work Research Conference, JSWEC, Manchester, 14^th July 2011
• Hutchinson, A.J. ‘Working with substance use: Experiences of Social Work and Social Care Practitioners’. Presented at 69th Alcohol Problems Research Symposium, Cumbria, 3^rd – 4^th November 2010
•  Taplin, A.J. ‘Achieving social-well for young pregnant women in Mozambique – Communicating responsibility’. Abstract published in proceedings of the16^thInternational Symposium of the International Consortium for Social Development, Monterrey, 27^th– 31^st July 2009
•  Taplin, A.J. ‘Why are they laughing and should I laugh with them? – Transcending global-local divides through the use of interpreters’. Abstract published in proceedings of the 34^thBiannual Congress of the International Association of the Schools of Social Work, Durban, South Africa, 20^th – 24^th July 2008
• Taplin, A.J. ‘Coping Strategies of Young Women in Mozambique’. Poster presented at the ESRC Methods Festival, St Catherine’s College, Oxford, 31^st June – 4^th July 2008
• Taplin, A.J. ‘’Negotiating Normality,’ exploring the Coping Strategies of Young Women in Mozambique’. Abstract published in proceedings of the 1^st ENQUIRE conference, Nottingham University, 17^th – 18^th June
• Taplin, A.J. ‘Why are they laughing and should I laugh with them? – Transcending global-local divides through the use of interpreters’ Abstract published in proceedings at the LASS Graduate School Annual Conference, University of Southampton, 18^th May 2008
• Powell, J.M. and Taplin, A.J. ‘Supervising in an international context’. Presented at an RDI event ‘International Issues in Social Work Research’, Sheffield Hallam University, 8^th May 2008
• Taplin, A.J. ‘Coping Strategies of Young Women in Mozambique’. Poster presented at the Postgraduate Research Student Workshop (JUC SWEC/ERSC funded) for Social Workers, RDI event, Bournemouth University, 3^rd-4^th April 2008
• Taplin, A,J. ‘Representations of Women from two Social Development Strategies in Mozambique; Reflections from Fieldwork’. Presented at the Centre for Citizenship and Democracy Postgraduate Symposium, university of Southampton, 5^th December 2007
• Taplin, A.J. ‘Developing meaningful intervention programmes; a lifespan perspective’. Abstract and paper published in proceedings at the 15^th International Symposium of the International Consortium for Social Development, Hong Kong, 16^th-20^th July 2007
• Taplin, A.J. ‘Women surviving the ravages of Structural Adjustment in Mozambique: Implications for Social Work Practice, Education and Research’, Abstract and paper published in proceedings at the 33^rd Biannual Congress of the International Association of the Schools of Social Work, Santiago, Chile, 28^th-31^st August 2006

Contact Details

Dr Aisha Hutchinson
Tilda Goldberg Centre (Room C421)
Institute for Applied Social Research
University Square
Luton, Bedfordshire
LU1 3JU

T: + 44 (0)1582 743407
E: aisha.hutchinson@beds.ac.uk