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Sarah Connelly

Sarah's PhD project title is 'How is the concept of vulnerability understood and applied by custody professionals in relation to gut feelings and social processes within England and Wales?' Read more about Sarah's research.

Project title

How is the concept of vulnerability understood and applied by custody professionals in relation to gut feelings and social processes within England and Wales?

Supervisors

Research clusters

  • Sociology Health Cluster

About me

I am a Criminology Lecturer and PhD researcher exploring how vulnerability is constructed in custody.

Bridging academia and practice, I manage an Appropriate Adult scheme and serve as a trustee and Research Chair with the National Appropriate Adult Network, focusing on real-world impact and support for vulnerable adults.

Project description

This project seeks to examine how gut feelings and social processes are attached to the concept of vulnerability within police custody in England and Wales.

With an evident increase and over-representation of vulnerable adults being processed through police custody system, there is limited insight into how professionals understand and navigate vulnerable adults.

I plan to examine embodied understandings of police officers, liaison and diversion staff, and appropriate adults in terms of their application of normative practices of policy and guidelines to day to day working with the public when considering ‘gut feelings’ and ‘open interpretation’ approaches.

In terms of research interests, my research focuses on the social construction of vulnerability within custody settings, exploring how concepts of vulnerability are defined, interpreted, and operationalized by professionals.

I'm particularly interested in the intersection of gender, identity, and criminal justice, including how transgender and non-binary detainees experience support. 

Current projects examine policy-practice gaps, decision-making processes around vulnerability, and the impact of gendered spaces in custody. Ultimately, my research aims to improve support systems and influence policy to better protect vulnerable adults in the criminal justice system.

Personal interests

Running, spending time with my little cocker spaniel, and camping. 

Publications

Presentations

Teaching

As a Lecturer in Criminology, my teaching focuses on criminological theory, the development of professional identity, and the lived experiences of those within the criminal justice system.

I lead and contribute to modules that explore how crime is understood and responded to in practice, drawing on my frontline experience managing an Appropriate Adult scheme.

My teaching encourages students to critically engage with concepts of vulnerability, gender, and power, particularly in relation to marginalised groups and criminal justice processes.

I also teach across interdisciplinary social science modules, including research methods and placement-based learning, supporting students to connect academic knowledge with real-world contexts.

I supervise undergraduate and postgraduate dissertations on topics such as safeguarding, inequality, and leadership in criminal justice.

Across all my teaching, I aim to bridge theory and practice, equipping students with the tools to navigate complex social issues and contribute meaningfully to the fields of criminology and social justice.

Achievements

Since taking over management of the Northumbria Local Appropriate Adult Scheme (NLAAS) in 2022, I have led its development in scope, service coverage, and demand.

Under my leadership, the scheme has expanded its operational reach, strengthened partnerships with local stakeholders, and introduced ongoing training to enhance support for vulnerable adults in custody.

Additionally, I was invited to found and currently chair the first Appropriate Adult Research Community for England and Wales, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange between academics and practitioners.

These roles directly feed into my doctoral studies and my other research projects. 

Memberships

  • British Society of Criminology
  • National Appropriate Adult Network (NAAN)
  • Board of Directors for the National Appropriate Adult Network.
  • Appropriate Adult Research Community (AARC)

Academic qualifications

Subject

  • MA Sociology and Social Research at Newcastle University (2016 – 2017)
  • BA Hons Sociology at the University of Sunderland (2013 – 2016)

Teaching

  • PG Cert in Higher Education at the University of Sunderland (2022 – 2023)
  • Senior Fellowship (SFHEA) via Advance HE (2023)
  • Fellowship (FHEA) via Advance HE (2021)

Leadership

  • I was selected in 2024-2025 to complete Aurora, a recognised leadership development initiative within HE, specifically designed to support women in progressing into leadership roles.
  • I am currently completing the Influence Leadership course

Contact

Staff email - Sarah.Connelly-2@sunderland.ac.uk 
Student email - S.Connelly2@newcastle.ac.uk 
Staff page - https://www.sunderland.ac.uk/about/staff/social-sciences/sarahconnelly-2/ 
Appropriate Adult Research Community (AARC) -  https://www.appropriateadult.org.uk/about-us/research-community 

 

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