Dr Lace M. Jackson

Professional biography

Dr Lace Jackson (BA(Hons), CQSW, MA, AASW, CPOD, PhD), joined the Open University in the Faculty of WELS in December 2023 as a Staff Tutor and Regional Academic having previously read for her doctorate in the Faculty of Business and Law.  A Pracademic researcher with substantial experience in social care and leadership practice, Lace has undertaken many roles most recently as an Executive Director for a Clinical Psychotherapeutic Institute within the Charity sector and previously as Director of Social Care Leaning and Development within large two-tier local authorities.  

Lace is also a Senior Lecturer in Social Work where she is affliated with the School of Society, Community and Health at the University of Bedfordshire.

Research interests

I have developed a strong research background from which to build, having explored such topics as 'Domestic Violence and the Experience of Black Women' and 'Local Authority Responses to Children Experiencing Domestic Abuse'. My current research focuses on societal and organisational narratives, which present structural, social, and material consequences for marginalised groups; specifically Global Majority leaders, exercising  and practicing leadership within postcolonial constraints.

Teaching interests

I have led and designed undergraduate and post-graduate programmes in social work and social care, leadership and management and Mental Health in other UK universities and professional teaching Institutes.

In addition to this I have designed, taught and evaluated courses delivered in English for undergraduate and MA degrees in social work, Mental Health, Research Methods, Psychotherapy, Leadership and Management and Organisation Development.

I have contributed to the Practice Education of Social Work Students and supervise PhD students.  

Impact and engagement

My research engages with Global Majority leaders, organisation, leadership and identity scholars and communities. This has included dissemination of findings through several channels, including a co-authored paper with Professor Siv Vangen and Dr Owain Smolović-Jones, and a presentation given at the ‘International Studying Leadership Conference’ 2012. Findings such as ‘Rootlessness and Unbelonging’ were shared at the OU Research Colloquium where over 200 research students and guests engaged during the session stream. Feedback pointing to the shared experience and awareness-raising felt significant and contributed to the development of the Open Learning platform on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, and as part of Black History Month Celebrations. I have provided expert input into the King’s Fund Nia development programme for aspiring leaders and continue to deliver oral presentations (JUSAW, ECSWR, SWRG, UOBs PG Conference).

External collaborations

I have engaged in a wide range of professional and community groups including providing knowledge exchange for the development of the OU open learn Black Leadership course and as an expert advisory panel member for the DfE National Accreditation and Assessment of Social Workers Scheme (NAAS) and as a Standard setting panel member 2019-2023.