Leeds Beckett University's Leeds Law School appoints new Director of Research

Rachel Armitage brings a wealth of experience and a strong commitment to advancing research with real-world applications, further strengthening Leeds Law School as a leading educator of legal professionals in Leeds and the wider West Yorkshire region.

With a research career spanning over three decades, Rachel has made significant contributions to crime prevention and public safety. She has worked extensively on projects designed to reduce crime through environmental design which have influenced local, national and international planning policies. As an invited member of the Home Office National Burglary Taskforce and National Vehicle Crime Working Group, Rachel has also published three books in this subject area - Crime Prevention through Housing Design (2013), Retail Crime (2018), and Re-building Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (2019).

Her current research focuses on critical issues such as the impact of domestic violence on children and families, child protection, and online child sexual abuse (CSA). She is a founding member of the Indirect Victims of Indecent Images of Children Strategic Group, and her research has influenced changes in policy and practice, including the Centre for Expertise in Child Sexual Abuse guidance for social workers, the Lucy Faithful Foundation's Faithful Paper and pushing for changes in police policy at warrants and through the criminal justice system.

Professor Deveral Capps, Dean of Leeds Law School, said: "We are delighted to welcome Professor Rachel Armitage to Leeds Law School. Her extensive research expertise and leadership will be instrumental in advancing our strategic goals and strengthening our research profile. We are confident that her vision will help deepen our engagement with key stakeholders within the region and beyond with her research that brings about real change."

Professor Rachel Armitage, said: "I am delighted to be joining Leeds Beckett Law School as a Professor of Law and Social Justice and Director of Research. As someone whose research is focused on the impact of the criminal justice system on victim/survivors as well as the families of those suspected/convicted of sexual violence, I am excited to join such a talented team, to collaborate on existing research and to develop new and innovative research opportunities."

Rachel's dedication to advocacy is further demonstrated through her roles as Deputy Chair of Trustees for the Marie Collins Foundation and founder of the Leeds-based charity Talking Forward, supporting families affected by online CSA.

As Director of Research, Rachel will support initiatives that reflect the school's dedication to real-world solutions and its commitment to producing graduates who are equipped for the legal profession in Leeds and the wider region.

Leeds Law School works extensively with law firms and other businesses to support students with work placements and employers to hire talented graduates who will energise their team and support the local community.

Professor Rachel Armitage is currently a Professor in Criminology at the University of Huddersfield and will join Leeds Beckett University's Leeds Law School in January 2025.