Helen Benstead

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.