Social workers set to study PhDs at University in the new year

Two Wolverhampton social workers at City of Wolverhampton Council have been successful in securing PhD studentships to study for their doctorates at the University of Wolverhampton.

Social workers, Satvir Panesar and Levy Sibenke at Wolverhampton Children and Adults Social Services have successfully secured PhD studentships jointly funded by the University’s School of Society and Community and Wolverhampton Social Services.

The PhD is a programme of independent, self-directed academic research, supported by a team of supervisors that makes an original contribution to knowledge written up in a thesis. The PhD programme also supports the development of research and generic skills to equip students to operate successfully as a professional researcher in any setting.

The PhD studentships offer real and exciting opportunities for the expansion of theoretical and practice-based knowledge and research in social work, expands the range of knowledge and understanding.

Satvir’s research focuses on ‘How can social work practitioners work more empathetically with families that have experienced honour-based violence?’ This study aims to gain a greater understanding of survivor’s experiences of honour-based violence with the intention of impacting and improving social work practice when working with families where honour-based violence is a concern. The research aims to address the gap around professionals understanding of honour-based violence, signs and indicators, seeks to promote empathetic engagement and intersectional awareness amongst professionals.

Satvir said: “I am so pleased to have been given this opportunity. One of my main aims for this PhD is to contribute research to social work practice and to provide a framework of support for practitioners, when exploring honour-based violence. I am very excited and look forward to working alongside the doctoral and research community at the University of Wolverhampton.”

Levy’s research focuses on ‘Is the physical chastisement by some African parents on their children a form of violence on their children?’  This study aims to explore the issue of chastisement of children and at what point physical chastisement can be seen as physical abuse deserving criminal charges. This is a factor which appears in particular to affect African families in the UK and the research will explore the cultural issues and concepts such as respect and religion. The study aims to understand how social work practice and the experiences of African families can be improved.

Levy said: “I would like to say a big thank you to Wolverhampton Social Services for offering me such an opportunity. The research will contribute to improving practice in our social services. It shows how much Wolverhampton Social Services is committed to supporting and investing in its workforce through creating opportunities for training, research, and development to enhance its service delivery to its clients.

I would also like to thank the University for making it possible for me to be part of this research programme. It is the beginning of an exciting journey and I have the confidence that as an institution of higher education, you will guide me through this journey until I reach my destination.”

Elaine Arnull, Professor of Social Work and Director of the School of Society and Community at the University of Wolverhampton said: “I would like to say a huge congratulations to Satvir and Levy, we are so pleased you have been successful to further your education at our University.

“We look forward to you joining our doctoral and research community and being part of the University of Opportunity in the new year.”

Both Satvir and Levy will begin PhD studentships in January 2022.

To find out more about our Research Degrees click here. 

Anyone looking to study at the University of Wolverhampton should register for one of our forthcoming Open Days.

For more information contact the Corporate Communications Team comms@wlv.ac.uk