Pete qualified as a social worker in 1996 and throughout his career worked within statutory mental health settings across Greater Manchester. He had a particular interest in working with individuals who had a mental health diagnosis but who were reluctant to engage with services. In 2004 Pete completed specialist Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) training to work with individuals with a psychosis. He worked in Assertive Outreach Teams within Greater Manchester and was a Team Manager prior to entering Higher Education in 2008. Pete has led on the development of both AMHP and BIA CPD programmes for other Universities. Likewise, he has worked with health colleagues predominately in primary care looking at safeguarding adults. Pete continues to be registered as a social worker with Social Work England.
Prior to qualifying as a social worker, Pete worked in the voluntary sector. He has an interest in homelessness and has volunteered for several projects including being a founding trustee of a local charity in Manchester and on the management board of a Housing Association in Newcastle. Pete has also worked for a national housing consultancy promoting the self-management of social housing.