Personal Statement
Chris joined the University of Liverpool in 2018 as a Lecturer in Occupational Therapy within the School of Allied Health Professions and Nursing. With a clinical background rooted in inpatient mental health rehabilitation and forensic psychiatry across secure settings, he brings practical insight into his teaching and leadership. Before academia, Chris held leadership roles in both the NHS and private sectors, shaping his holistic approach to healthcare education.


Currently, Chris leads the BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy programme as Director of Studies, where he takes pride in enhancing the student experience through innovative curriculum development and hands-on learning opportunities. He also serves on the School's module review board, ensuring academic quality alongside innovative curriculum development.


Passionate about emotional wellbeing and reflective practice, Chris facilitates Schwartz Rounds at the University and chairs the Faculty steering group, fostering supportive discussions across healthcare professions. He also serves as the Royal College of Occupational Therapists’ Learning and Development Lead for the Mental Health Network, helping to advance professional practice on a national level.


Chris is currently pursuing a Professional Doctorate in Health, further blending research and practical application within mental health occupational therapy practice. Outside of his academic roles, he maintains an interest in private practice, balancing scholarly work with real-world impact.


Always approachable and keen to collaborate, Chris enjoys connecting with colleagues and students alike to support learning, growth, and excellence in occupational therapy practice and education.

Research Overview
Chris’ research interests span mental health and forensic occupational therapy practice, with a particular focus on innovative approaches to practice placement such as simulated and blended learning. His doctoral research is centred around exploring Model of Human Occupation (MOHO) operationalisation through assessment use, with a long-term aim of developing a MOHO-based assessment protocol tailored for mental health settings, bridging research and clinical practice. In 2025, Chris was awarded the Constance Owens Trust Ph.D. Award of £15,000 in recognition of his doctoral study entitled ‘Exploring MOHO-Based Assessment Use Within Inpatient Adult Mental Health Services: A Survey of UK-Based Occupational Therapists’.

In addition to his personal research endeavours, Chris plays a conscious role in supporting student research. He supervises MSc students through various advanced research projects, mentoring them to develop rigorous, relevant investigations within healthcare and occupational therapy. Chris also leads the BSc year 3 research module, guiding undergraduate students through the foundational processes of evidence-based practice, critical appraisal, and research dissemination.

Committed to fostering a supportive and stimulating research environment, Chris encourages students to engage with contemporary issues in occupational therapy through hands-on module activities and personalised supervision. His combined passion for research, teaching, and mentorship ensures that emerging scholars are well-prepared to contribute meaningfully to the profession.