Developing a quality and outcomes framework for not-for-profit campus adult social care and education providers

Apply

A completed University of Chester Postgraduate Research Degree application form including contact details of two referees. Candidates should apply online by clicking the button below and quoting reference number as above.

• Faculty: Health, Medicine and Society
• Academic department: Chester Medical School
• Studentship type: PhD Studentship
• Funding: Stipend and fees
• Duration: 3 years full-time
• Application deadline: 11:59PM on Sunday, 26 July 2026
• Interview date: TBC - week commencing Monday, 3 August 2026
• Studentship dates: From: Tuesday, 1 September 2026 Until: Friday, 31 August 2029
• Reference number: CMS26-02

Project description

Working with and based at David Lewis a Cheshire based not for profit provider of education, adult social care and health services as the lead provider, and 6 other similar providers across England - Linkage Community Services; Norwood; Aspens; Chailey Heritage Foundation; Camphill Village Trust & Henshaws - the successful candidate will develop a quality and outcomes framework for not for profit campus and adult social care and education providers that will demonstrate the value and contribution of campus based providers to commissioners, regulators, families, people who use these services and their families. The project will focus on understanding areas such as (not an exhaustive list):

• The impact on safeguarding practice and approach/safety
• Least Restrictive Care Practice
• Clinical and Therapeutic input to service delivery including potentially meds/stomp
• Experience and wellbeing of the people supported
• Community engagement and participation
• The importance of green/open spaces – biophilia etc

Supervisors

Professor Paul Kingston

Professor of Ageing and Mental Health & Honorary UKHSA Public Health Academic, Director of the Centre for Ageing and Mental Health, and Director of Chester Institute of Health and Wellbeing.

Dr Matt Bowen

Dr Matt Bowen is the Head of School for Allied and Public Health, with a depth of research and clinical experience in therapeutic work for people with severe and enduring emotional and behavioural challenges.

Dr Louise Taylor

Dr Louise Taylor is an Associate Professor of Professional Education and Research Ethics with a wide range of experience working within a social science paradigm. In addition, Taylor is currently a Chair for the Health Research Authority overseeing South Yorks Research Ethics Committee.

Qualifications and eligibility

Applicants should normally have, or expect to obtain, at least an upper second class honours degree in a discipline appropriate to the intended area of research.

Unfortunately, due to the restrictions of visa and funding deadlines, if you are an international student and will require a visa to study, we are unable to consider your application

Fees

Fees

The successful applicant will receive a bursary, to cover UK up to 3 years full time. All fees due above the UK rate will normally be paid by the Student.

Stipend

Stipend

For the first year of the project the stipend will be £21,549 as determined by the National Minimum Doctoral Stipend specified by UKRI and will be subject to an inflationary increase in October each year up to a maximum of a 5% increase per annum.

Further information

Prospective applicants are encouraged to initially contact Professor Paul Kingston ( p.kingston@chester.ac.uk ) to discuss the project further. For general enquiries contact Postgraduate Research Admissions, University of Chester at pgradmissions@chester.ac.uk

Attachments

CMS26-02 - Student Conditions of Appointment

Research areas