Academic Tutor
I joined the Social Sciences department in 2021 as an Academic Tutor assisting in teaching modules related to criminology, as well as working towards my professional doctorate. I have a particular interest in criminological theory, domestic violence and abuse, terrorism, counter-terrorism and radicalisation, the age of criminal responsibility and vulnerability within the Appropriate Adult network.
I studied at the University in 2014 and obtained a First Class Honours in Social Sciences: Criminology, then returned in 2020 to study LLM Criminal Law and Procedure at master's level. I am also an Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.
I am the Scheme Coordinator of the Northumbria Local Appropriate Adult Scheme (NLAAS) a scheme in which, student volunteers frequent local police stations, to assist those considered vulnerable while in police custody.
My current professional doctorate research focuses on service user participation within the Appropriate Adult network. My professional doctorate supervisors are Dr John Dixon-Dawson and Dr Kev Smith.
Before working for the University, I worked with various third-sector organisations and charities, supporting those considered most vulnerable within the criminal justice system and wider society.
Teaching and supervision
BSc (Hons) Criminology:
CRM203 – Domestic Violence and Criminal Justice
I also supervise dissertation students on BSc (Hons) Criminology. My supervision on these courses will vary each academic year.
Integrated Foundation Year (IFY):
- FDN002 – Foundation Project
- FDN003 – Practical Numeracy Skills
- FDN011 – Global Rights and Wrongs
- FDN012 – Essential Study Skills
- FDN036 – Foundations of Law
Research interests for potential research students
- Criminological theory
- Domestic violence and abuse
- Terrorism, counter-terrorism, radicalisation, the PREVENT strategy
- The age of criminal responsibility
- Vulnerability discourses in police custody, the Police and Criminal Evidence Act (1984)
Research
My research interests mainly focus on the concept of vulnerability, specifically within the Appropriate Adult network and the Police and Criminal Evidence Act (1984).
Previously, I researched the language used within the Police and Criminal Evidence Act (1984) and how the use of language such as "vulnerable" and "appropriate" can create undesirable power dynamics within the police custody suite, which can result in the reluctance of services users engaging with the safeguard.
In addition, I have also completed research on the age of criminal responsibility and whether or not the threshold should be increased from ten years of age to twelve, in line with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (1992). The argument to increase the threshold was based on research conducted on the numerous biological, psychological, and sociological factors that can impact a child's understanding and comprehension of what is considered right and wrong.
My current professional doctorate research aims to emphasise the importance of service user participation within the Appropriate Adult Network. This is being done with the assistance and guidance of Dr John Dixon-Dawson and Dr Kev Smith.
Publications
Reports, briefing/ working papers
Connelly, Sarah and Naisby, Lauren (2024) Northumbria Local Appropriate Adult Scheme Executive Summary 2022 - 2023. Project Report. University of Sunderland, Sunderland. (Submitted)
Conference or Workshop Item
Connelly, Sarah, Hayter, Sacha, Naisby, Lauren and Davidson, Keeley (2024) Digging deep: Unpacking student success stories in relation to working across collaborative partnerships. In: UoS Inclusive Learning Festival, 17th Sep 2024, University of Sunderland. (Unpublished)
Connelly, Sarah and Naisby, Lauren (2023) Reflections on the Northumbria Local Appropriate Adult Scheme 2023. In: DisCrim: (UKRI) Violence Abuse and Mental Health Network, 12th March 2023, University of Sunderland. (Submitted)
- Criminological theory
- Domestic violence
- Terrorism, counter-terrorism and the PREVENT strategy
- The age of criminal responsibility
- Vulnerability discources in police custody, the Police and Criminal Evidence Act (1984)