Helen Benstead University of Sunderland, UK

Dr Helen Benstead is Associate Professor of Inclusive Education and Academic Director of the Graduate School at the University of Sunderland, where she manages the strategy for post-graduate research degrees across the university. She began her career with a BA (QTS) in Primary Education, before completing an MPhil at Cambridge and a PhD at York. Helen has held senior policy roles in central and local government, working as a Youth Policy Advisor at the Cabinet Office and for the Mayor of London on his Education and Youth strategy. Helen also founded Inclusive Classrooms, a social enterprise supporting Teaching Assistants across the UK. Helen has authored a range of professional development materials, published widely on inclusive education and participatory research methodologies, and continues to research socially inclusive practices in the field of education.