CASCADE is proud to announce that Lorna Stabler, an experienced social care researcher at Cardiff University, has been appointed as the Specialty Lead for Social Care and Residential Care in Health and Care Research Wales. This prestigious role involves providing strategic support and championing research delivery within Wales.
Health and Care Research Wales is recruiting Specialty Leads across 31 specialty areas for a three-year term, with an initial one-year term for the Social Care Specialty Lead. These leaders play a crucial role in engaging with research at the UK level, monitoring research portfolios, and promoting the uptake of studies within their specialty areas.
Lorna brings a wealth of experience to this role. Her research focuses on strengthening families and supporting children to remain safely within their communities. She has recently completed a NIHR-funded project exploring the use of Family Group Conferences as an alternative to Child Protection Conferences and is currently leading a Nuffield-funded project on special guardianship orders in Wales.
Passionate about involving people with lived experience in her research, Lorna has worked as a community care worker for individuals with neurological conditions and has personal experience as a foster carer. She also contributes to the Children in Wales Independent Review Mechanism and organizes events for care-experienced young people.
Lorna’s appointment as Specialty Lead for Social Care is a testament to her dedication and expertise in the field. Her leadership will undoubtedly enhance the research landscape in Wales, fostering collaboration and innovation in social care.