“It’s never too late to pursue your dreams, no matter the obstacles in your way”

James started his career as a technician at his former school after dropping out of Queen’s at the age of 20.

He then took on a new opportunity carrying out rehabilitation work with people who were registered blind. This change of direction sparked a lifelong passion for social care and led James to go on to train as a social worker, including completing a postgraduate award in Mental Health Social Work at Queen’s.

Throughout his career, James has been driven by a desire to help others. His commitment to helping others to learn, along with his passion for adult protection eventually led him to propose a part-time PhD to his employer, focusing on the role of social workers in supporting adults who had been the victims of abuse and were being jointly supported by both Police and Social Work Services.

His research, which involved interviews and focus groups with social workers and police officers across Northern Ireland, has already had a significant impact on policy, particularly the joint protocol between Social Work Services and Police.

In addition to his academic achievements, James has faced significant health challenges. Born with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, he lived with multiple physical difficulties.

Despite undergoing various treatments, chronic pain severely affected his quality of life and his ability to work and study. Eventually, James opted for the amputation of his foot while undertaking his PhD, which transformed his life. This decision allowed him to regain mobility and gave him a new lease of life.

“While many people showed an interest in how I felt about ‘losing my foot’ I actually never felt that it was a loss; it really felt much more positive than that,” James reflected. “I ‘got-rid’ of my foot and now have one that enables me to walk in excess of 10,000 steps a day.

“Throughout this period, I received unwavering support from Queen’s and my supervisors, who not only encouraged my academic progress but also cared for my emotional wellbeing. Even while taking a six-month leave of absence for surgery, I was determined to complete my PhD. I returned embracing this new chapter with resilience and optimism.

“Being a part-time student was definitely the long way round to gain a PhD but it worked for me; supporting me to work as a social worker, and recover, while working through my research at a manageable pace.”

Looking ahead, James plans to remain in social work practice, using his research to influence policy and advocate for adults with additional needs. His ongoing work aims to ensure that adults involved in criminal and social justice proceedings are supported, have access to fair treatment, and can present their best evidence in court.

As he continues his work to promote the social work profession and fight for epistemic justice, James hopes his journey serves as an inspiration to others facing challenges in their academic and professional lives.

“This journey has taught me that perseverance pays off, and that it’s never too late to pursue your dreams, no matter the obstacles in your way,” he added.

“I hope my experience can encourage others to keep going in life, as well as in their studies. I may well have started my academic life with Queen’s as a drop-out, but I’m concluding it with pride in my PhD.”