About

I joined the iCeGS team as a Researcher in March 2020 following the completion of my PhD in Sociology at Cardiff University where I undertook a research project exploring corporate social responsibility and the role of businesses in schools in South Wales. My role in iCeGS sees me designing and managing research projects primarily in the area of careers education, information, advice and guidance. I have a background in sociology and in my job I am keen to combine sociological thinking with educational research which includes careers and engagement. 

In 2021, I became an Early Career Academic (ECA) (Public Sector) in iCeGS and the Institute of Education and then became a Derby Scholar in 2022. In January 2023 I became a Senior Lecturer/Researcher with iCeGS where I have continued to design and project manage numerous research projects with organisations such as the International Labour Organization, the Careers & Enterprise Company, and the Career Development Institute. 

I have also recently conducted a piece of independent research surrounding the role and responsibilities of school and college governors. 

Teaching responsibilities

I am a Senior Lecturer on the MA in Careers Education and Coaching degree programme where I deliver lectures on employer engagement, volunteering, employability and education and evaluation methods. I am also the module leader for the Research Methods and Independent Studies modules. 

Professional interests

• Employer engagement 
• Third sector organisations and volunteers
• Governors and Governance 
• Impact and evaluation 

Research interests

My academic interests are in the area of sociology and education focussing on corporate social responsibility, employer engagement, school governance and careers. I am also interested in the relationship between civil society and career development. 

Membership of professional bodies

• Associate Fellow Higher Education Academy 

Qualifications

• 2020: PhD Sociology - Cardiff University
• 2015: MA (by Research) Sociology - University of York
• 2013: BA (Hons) Sociology - University of Hull

Recent conferences

Blake, H & Hanson, J (2021) ’A comparison of Welsh and English approaches to employer engagement in secondary schools: The importance of strategic collaboration.’ 6th International Conference on Employer Engagement: Preparing Young People for the Future – Education and Employers 

Recent publications

• Blake, H; Hanson, J; Neary, S and Alexander, R (2022) SCiP Alliance Thriving Lives Toolkit Enhancement Project Report
• Blake, H., Hanson, J., & Clark, L. (2021). 'The importance of an inclusive alumni network for ensuring effective transitions into employment and future destinations for people with learning disabilities'. British Journal of Learning Disabilities, pp. 1–11
• Košťálová, H., Cudlínová, M., Blake, H., Clark, L., Dimsits, M., Kavková, E., Graungaard, E., Moore, N., Sigaard H., J., Neary, S., Nemcova, L., Nogueira Perez, M., A., Fernandez Rey, E., and Ceinos Sanz, C. (2021). 'A Practitioner's Guide to Uncharted Waters of Career Counselling, a Critical Reflection Perspective'. Prague: EKS
• Clark, L and Blake, H (2021) A guide for engaging parents/ carers in their child’s career decision-making. In Košťálová, H., Cudlínová, M., Blake, H., Clark, L., Dimsits, M., Kavková, E., Graungaard, E., Moore, N., Sigaard H., J., Neary, S., Nemcova, L., Nogueira Perez, M., A., Fernandez Rey, E., and Ceinos Sanz, C. ed. 'A Practitioner's Guide to Uncharted Waters of Career Counselling, a Critical Reflection Perspective'. Prague: EKS
• Hanson, J., Neary, S., and Blake, H. (2021). 'Personal Guidance Fund Evaluation: Final Report'. London: The Careers & Enterprise Company
• Moore, N., Clark, L., Neary, S., & Blake, H. (2021). 'Crucial impacts on career choices: Research to understand the influences on young people’s choices in primary and secondary schools: Final report'. Derby: University of Derby
• Moore,N., Clark, L., Neary, S., & Blake, H. (2021). 'Crucial impacts on career choices: Research to understand the influences on young people’s choices in primary and secondary schools: Executive summary'. Derby: University of Derby