Dr Gavin Heron

Lecturer

Social Work

Personal statement

My teaching on the social work qualifying courses includes: poverty and deprivation; theory and practice and lifelong learning. I also have a tutoring role in supporting students on practice placements and supervise students undertaking undergraduate and postgradure dissertations.

Publications

Back to staff profile

Publications

Generative AI, Critical Thinking and Social Work Practice: Gillon Fern, Weaver Beth, Heron Gavin, Reid Fergus, Dong Feng; Iriss Insights Iriss Insights, Vol 77 (2026)
Intervention methods in secure care : what is going on for society's most vulnerable children?: Heron Gavin, Gibson Ross; Social Sciences Vol 14 (2025); https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci14090523
The role of deliberation in correcting and validating intuition : a holy grail for childcare professionals or a false dawn?: Heron Gavin, Black Kate; British Journal of Social Work Vol 55, pp. 243-260 (2025); https://doi.org/10.1093/bjsw/bcae137
The role of uncertainty in professionals' thinking about children who harm other people: Heron Gavin, Black Kate; British Journal of Social Work Vol 53, pp. 2922-2939 (2023); https://doi.org/10.1093/bjsw/bcad056
Reconceptualizing protective factors in response to risk with vulnerable children: Heron Gavin, Lightowler Claire; Journal of Social Work Vol 23, pp. 205–220 (2023); https://doi.org/10.1177/14680173221142761
Breaking into secure : Introducing philosophical discussions to young people in secure accommodation: Cassidy Claire, Heron Gavin; Journal of Social Work Vol 20, pp. 287-306 (2020); https://doi.org/10.1177/1468017318815399

More publications

Research

Back to staff profile

Research Interests

My research interests focus on social work education. This includes students’ ability to convey critical thinking in their written work, the way race issues are understood by students, use of assessment tools and the effective delivery of feedback.