Helen Machin

Biography

Helen Machin is a social work academic working on research related to undocumented migration. Helen is registered with Social Work England (SW96261) and has experience of professional practice with children and families in both statutory and third sector contexts. Helen’s teaching at Keele is focused on ethics, professional values, social justice and social work research. She holds an undergraduate degree in English Literature (Durham University), a postgraduate degree in Social Work (LJMU), a certificate in Chinese Languages and Culture (Jiaotong University, Xi’an) and a Doctoral degree in Social Work (Keele University). Helen is also a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.

Helen is a member of the China Europe Research Platform on Migration. Helen acts as a peer reviewer for the British Journal of Social Work and the journal Social Inclusion.

Research and scholarship

The core focus of Helen’s doctoral research “Hot and bitter tears” (辛酸泪): An inquiry into Chinese migrants’ experiences of undocumented status) was the experiences of undocumented Chinese migrants in England. Helen’s research is centred on current national debates about immigration, the treatment of migrants and the relationship between social work and marginalised social groups. Helen has also developed research on social work constructions of undocumented migrants and rural to urban migration and social work practice responses in mainland China.

Teaching

Helen has acted as module lead for the following undergraduate and postgraduate modules on the Social Work programme at Keele University.

Undergraduate

• BA1 Area of Practice (1) Working with Children and Families
• BA1 Introduction to Legal Processes
• BA1 Foundations of Social Work
• BA1 Social Justice, Ethics and Values
• BA2 Area of Practice (2) Working with Children and Families
• BA2 Social Work Theory and Methods (1)
• BA3 Social Work Theory and Methods (2)

Postgraduate

• MA1 Introduction to Legal Processes
• MA1 Social Work Theory and Methods (1) 
• MA2 Dissertation
• Professional Doctorate in Social Work: Pilot Study

Helen also contributes to the MA in Child Care Law and Practice at Keele University and Stoke-on-Trent City Council’s annual Practice Week.