Professor Selwyn (MSc (Econ)(Wales), PhD(Bristol) has worked at the University of Bristol since 1993.
A specialist in child and family social work, she is the director of the Hadley Centre for Adoption and Foster Care Studies at the School for Policy Studies, and an expert on the adoption of looked after children. Her research has strengthened the knowledge base of social work and changed practice. She is a member of the Adoption Leadership Board and is regularly asked to speak at national and international conferences and events.
Before joining the University, Professor Selwyn worked for 20 years as a children and families social worker in a variety of settings; child and family support centres, therapeutic communities and as an adoption worker.
Professor Selwyn said: ‘This is a tremendous honour and while the focus is on my work, research is always a team effort and my thanks must go to the researchers who have worked alongside me helping to produce high quality research outputs. The long-term support from the Hadley Trust has also been key to the success of the Centre.’