I am currently Programme Leader and Senior Lecturer on the MA Social Work programme and currently lead on the development of the BA (Hons) Social Work programme, the BA (Hons) Social Work Degree Apprenticeship and the Social Work Centre.

Previously I was Programme Leader on the Foundation Degree Health and Social Care, Assistant Practitioner (Health Education England commissioned programme) and the Assistant Practitioner Higher Apprenticeship.

I graduated with a BA (Hons) in Social and Behavioural Studies, MA in Social Work, an MSc in Applied Social Research (Gender Studies) and published my PhD thesis in (2013) titled ‘The interaction of corporeality, social discourses and institutions on the transition process and transsexual people’s experiences of accessing health and social care services post 2004’.

I am a registered qualified Social Worker with a work background in adult and children’s palliative care, family support and youth offending. I was formally a Community Steering Group Member for Hate Crime Reporting for Hull City Council (2005-2006). I have assisted the Rugby Football League (RFL) with their trans inclusion policy and participated in their ‘Tackle It’ initiative tackling discrimination relating to gender, gender identity, disability, age, religion or faith and sexual orientation.

Research interests and research subject specialisms:

My research interests include the development of professional identities in health and social care; the health and social care needs of the trans community; the corporeal body within health care systems; mixed research methods; insider/outsider research teams and trans inclusion within sport.

Teaching responsibilities:

Main teaching activities are on the MA Social Work Programme, BA (Hons) Social Work programme, the BA (Hons) Social Work Degree Apprenticeship and the Social Work Centre.

Other responsibilities:

Employer Link Tutor
Supervisor for Masters Dissertation students and PhD Students

Publications and research outputs:

Kirlew, M. (2013) “The interaction of corporeality, social discourses and institutions on the transition process and transsexual people's experiences of accessing health and social care services post 2004.” Hull: School of Social Sciences, University of Hull. Supervisors Jagger, Gill, and Butler, Ruth. Sponsor (Organisation) Economic and Social Research Council (Great Britain).

Conference papers:

Kirlew, M. (2019) ‘Design and Development of Social Work Programmes and the Social Work Centre at the University of Bolton’. Poster Presentation at the Innovations Fayre as part of the TIRI Conference at the University of Bolton, July 2019

Kirlew, M. (2010) ‘Trans People’s Experiences of Accessing Health and Social Care Services Post 2004’, Paper and poster presented at the Regional Seminar for PhD Social Work Research, University of York, July 16th 2010.

Kirlew, M. (2011) ‘Trans Participation in Sport’, Paper presented at the Public and Commercial Services Union’s LGBT Seminar, Cardiff, November 5th 2011

Seminars and workshops:

Seminar and Workshop (2017): At the Researcher Development Programme 2017 at the University of Bolton. Presented and run a workshop on ‘Undertaking Interviews’. This was for Masters and PhD students and staff at the University of Bolton. January 2017.

Seminar and Workshop (2017): At the Practice Education Conference at the University of Bolton. Presented and run a workshop on ‘Trans Inclusion in the Work Place: Developing a Supportive Environment for Staff and Patients’. July 2017.

Seminar and Workshop (2016): At the Researcher Development Programme 2016 at the University of Bolton. Presented and run a workshop on ‘what makes a good questionnaire’. This was for Masters and PhD students and staff at the University of Bolton. February 2016.

Presentations:

Kirlew, M. (2017) ‘The New Assistant Practitioner Apprenticeship and Guide to Employer Apprenticeship Levy and Co-Investment’. Presentation presented at the IAPT Leadership and Innovation Forum, Haydock Racecourse, 31st May 2017.

Presentation: Presented the research findings from my PhD thesis to health care professionals from the Leeds and York Partnership NHS Gender Identity Service. This was related to the importance of assessing the social interactions trans people have during the transition process, as part of the assessment process at the gender identity service. December 2012.

Presentation: To the Equality and Diversity Manager at the Rugby Football League (RFL). This was in relation to research findings from my thesis, which highlighted the importance of social interactions, social activities and participation in sports during the transition process for trans people. I assisted the RFL update their transgender inclusion policy. I have also taken part in their ‘Tackle It’ initiative tackling racism, homophobia and transphobia within the sport of rugby league, which included participating in a video and contributing to other materials to be used in schools. August – September 2011.