SURE

During her time at Sunderland Dr Wendy Thorley has been involved in several programmes as a consultant and programme leader, including: Applied Family Studies, Early Years Professional Status, Foundation Degree in Education and Care, BA (Hons) Education and Care, Higher Level Teaching Assistant and collaborative partnerships with further education colleges and Local Authority organisations for continuing professional development (CPD). She has led her department in developing the use of technological innovations to enhance the student learning experience. Her innovative use of virtual learning environments for network peer and tutor support and the collection of student feedback has been commended by external examiners. Starting her career in the NHS, Wendy undertook a range of CPD initiatives to develop her teaching and learning expertise. She gained professional experience initially in Nurse Education prior to moving into primary education. She has held positions in Local Authority Social Services Human Resource Department (HRD) related programmes before consolidating her experience first in Further Education then moving into higher education. Her ability to incorporate a multi-agency perspective to her teaching is recognised and appreciated both by her students and her colleagues: In addition to her teaching commitments Dr Thorley has incorporated fund-raising activities with students, their families and communities to promote student identity with their programme, University and emerging professional identities. The success of this initiative has been recognised in several recent publications including ‘What Works? Student retention and success programme’ research project (2012, Paul Hamlyn Foundation, HEFCE). She is highly regarded across voluntary and statutory organisations locally and regionally.