Dr Rachel Larkin

Rachel Larkin joined the University of Kent in January 2021 after teaching at the University of Sussex. Rachel has over 25 years’ experience of social work practice, and has worked in a range of children and families services in both voluntary and statutory sector. Before joining Kent Rachel worked as an Independent Reviewing Officer for ‘Looked After’ Children.

In 2019 Rachel graduated with a Professional Doctorate in Social Work from the University of Sussex. Her thesis explored Social Work with Unaccompanied Young Women who had sought asylum in the UK. It considered the complex ways that young women and practitioners construct each other in practice spaces and the implications for practice. 

Rachel has a broad interest in social work with children and families. She is particularly interested in social work’s role with people affected by asylum and immigration systems, and practice with young people who are trafficked and/or experience forms of exploitation. Rachel has an interest in practice-near research and creative methodologies. 

• Making Sense of Mental Health SO725

Rachel is a member of Social Work Without Borders. She is registered as a Social Worker with Social Work England.