Staff Profile
Dr Alison Wadey
Senior Lecturer, Occupational Therapy
I am a Senior Lecturer in Occupational Therapy at York St John University, bringing over 30 years of experience across clinical practice, academic leadership, and research.
My work is rooted in a commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI), which I actively promote through my teaching and professional roles. I integrate problem-based learning and accessible pedagogies throughout both undergraduate and postgraduate occupational therapy courses.
I also serve as the Regional Equity, Diversity and Belonging Lead (Northern & Yorkshire) for the Royal College of Occupational Therapists, advocating for inclusive practices across the profession. The majority of my clinical career was working with older adults in acute, rehabilitation, intermediate care and community settings.
Academic background
I hold a BSc (Hons) in Occupational Therapy from Coventry University and an MSc in Gerontology from the University of Southampton. I was awarded an ESRC-funded PhD scholarship and completed my PhD in Gerontology at the University of Southampton with the thesis titled: ‘The ageing health and social care workforce: characteristics, work patterns and policy implications’.
- School – School of Science, Technology and Health
- Email – a.wadey@yorksj.ac.uk
- Phone – 01904 876 406
- Research - View my work in RaY
Further information
Teaching
I teach across the BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy and MSc Occupational Therapy (pre-registration) courses and module lead on a number of modules.
I currently teach on the following modules:
- OCT7012M Occupational Beings
- OCT7014M Advancing Professional Skills: Module Lead
- OCT7015M Contexts of Professional Practice: Module Lead
- OCT7018M Research Project: Research supervisor
- OCT7021M Service Development and Leadership: Module Lead
Research
My research interests include:
- Problem-Based Learning
- Ageism
- Occupational Engagement of Older Adults
Publications and conferences
Journal articles
Darton, H., Laver-Fawcett A., & Wadey A. (2025) Exploring ableism and occupational therapy: perspectives of occupational therapy educators working within higher education. British Journal of Occupational Therapy. 0(0). doi:10.1177/03080226251330435
Darton, H., Wadey, A. & Laver-Fawcett A. (2025) Exploring ableism and occupational therapy: Occupational therapy students’ perspectives. British Journal of Occupational Therapy. 0(0). doi:10.1177/03080226241309469
Conferences
Wadey, A. (2018). Innovative Programme Design. UP North: Talk about teaching Conference, York St John University
Wadey, A. (2015). Gender differences in the employment characteristics of the older health and social care labour force. Paper presented at the British Society of Gerontology Conference, University of Southampton
Wadey, A. (2014). Gender differences in the employment characteristics of the older health and social care labour force. Paper presented at the British Psychological Society Conference, University of Southampton
Wadey, A. (2014). The working patterns of the older health and social care labour force in England. Paper presented at the British Society of Population Studies conference, University of Winchester
Wadey, A. (2013). The older health and social care labour force: exploring the determinants of working beyond the State Pension Age. Paper presented for The Care Lifecycle Project, University of Southampton
Wadey, A. (2001). Occupational Therapy for traumatic brain injury. Paper presented for Irwin Mitchell Solicitors, Sheffield.
Wadey, A. (2000). Case management for adults with traumatic brain injury. Paper presented at a COT masterclass, COT, London.
Wadey, A. (1999). Occupational Therapy in neuro-intensive care. Paper presented at NANOT conference, Sheffield.
Book review
Wadey, A. (2013). Liz Lloyd, Health and Care in Ageing Societies: A New International Approach, The Policy Press, Bristol, UK, 2012, 176 pp. ISBN 13:978 1 86134 918 7. Ageing & Society. 33 (03): 542-544. DOI: 10.1017/ S0144686X1200133X
Professional activities
- I serve as an Academic Tutor, providing pastoral and academic support to students.
- I act as Assessment Coordinator for Occupational Therapy, overseeing assessment strategy, moderation, and quality assurance.
- I participate as a School Quality Panel Committee Member, contributing to institutional quality enhancement processes.
- I am the Royal College of Occupational Therapists Regional (Northern and Humberside) Equity, Diversity and Belonging Lead.
Qualifications
- PhD in Gerontology, University of Southampton
- MSc in Gerontology, University of Southampton
- BSc (Hons) in Occupational Therapy, Coventry University
- Postgraduate Certificate in Academic Practice (PGCAP)
- Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA)
Professional Memberships
- Registered Occupational Therapist – Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)
- Professional Member – Royal College of Occupational Therapists
