Welcome to my cv and portfolio website, this is an opportunity to learn a little more about me and the work I do.

Ultimately, I am working towards a career in social research and social policy, I have a number of research interests which are detailed below. This website is designed primarily for those interested in my academic journey; however, my work experience is also included.

This website also includes my blog which I will be updating regularly with personal, professional and academic articles.

Since early 2020 I have increased the amount of freelance work I take on, I deliver commercial training courses nationwide (including first aid, health and safety, fire safety, first aid for mental health and safeguarding), learn more here.

WELCOME TO
CHRISTOPHER HEAYNS

Academic portfolio website

CURRICULUM VITAE

My academic journey has slowed a little as a result of my other work commitments; however I hope to be embarking upon further research later this year. At the beginning of 2020 I began ad-hoc lecturing, alongside my PhD, within the school of Social Sciences, Humanities and Law at Teesside University. Since then I have delivered keynote speeches and lectures in commercial settings.

Alongside my commitment with Train Direct I still take on freelance training first aid, health and safety, fire safety, manual handling, first aid for mental health and safeguarding training. My portfolio includes NEBOSH qualifications and I use this to conduct work-based risk assessments and assist organisations with their assessment of first aid needs. I hold further instructor qualifications to deliver RLSS lifeguard courses, fitness instructor courses, personal training and other leisure industry awards.

All of this has given me a number of transferrable skills, combined with previous work experience, this makes me suitable for a number of industry sectors. In 2020 I founded Train Direct to deliver commercial training courses across the UK (First Aid, Fire Safety, Health & Safety and Manual Handling). I champion First Aid for Mental Health and actively promote wellbeing throughout all of my training, I avoid skills fade by regulating volunteering as an event medic and first responder across to country.

Home: Text

EDUCATION

Teesside University
October 2019 - October 2020

PHD SOCIAL POLICY

Currently I am working towards a PhD in Social Policy, my research centres around ‘Offender employment: developing an effective strategy for sustainable rehabilitation and reintegration. Alongside my doctoral studies I assist within the School of Social Sciences Humanities and Law by providing ad-hoc lecturing cover. **Studies currently interrupted**

Teesside University
Oct 2018 - Oct 2019

MSC CRIMINOLOGY

Achieved the award of MSc Criminology with merit, units completed include – Social Research Methods (63%), Criminological Theory (64%), Criminal Justice (68%), Contemporary Criminological Theory (50%), Victims and Offenders (58%) and Policing and Security (70%). My MSc dissertation (62%) involved a qualitative study ‘exploring the attitudes of employers towards employing offenders and ex-offenders in the North-East of England’. I have also had the opportunity to collaborate on departmental projects and serve as a representative of the postgraduate library users forum.

Durham University
Oct 2016 - Dec 2016

UNDERGRADUATE CPD - ISSUES IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE (20 CREDITS)

Durham University’s ‘Inside-Out’ programme brings together two groups of individuals (prisoners the ‘Inside’ students and third year undergraduates, the ‘Outside’ students), to debate subjects such as ‘the causes of crime’, ‘regulation of ‘drugs and ‘the function of prisons’. The course is designed to challenge the preconceptions of both groups in an academic environment. I was honoured to deliver the closing speech on behalf of the ‘Inside’ students.

Home: CV

EMPLOYMENT

Train Direct
Feb 2020 - present

Head of Learning and Development

As Head of Learning I have the overall responsibility for developing the companies first aid, health and safety, fire safety and first aid for mental health programmes. Delivery of 200+ courses to organisations large and small. I have a strong ESOL background and a patient delivery style which helps to give learners the best opportunity to be successful in their training. My clients have included multinational corporations and SMEs alike. I love teaching and this role gives me the opportunity to develop my skills.

Teesside University
Jan 2020 - Feb 2020

LECTURER (PART-TIME)

Provided ad-hoc teaching cover where required on criminology and sociology modules, subjects include Identities of Work and Leisure (Level 5) and Understanding Drugs in Society (Level 6). Responsible for developing and delivering lectures, workshops and seminars, and supporting students as and when required.

Teesside University
Nov 2018 - March 2020

FITNESS INSTRUCTOR/PERSONAL TRAINER

Working in the gym at Teesside University has provided me with an income to support my studies, however, it has been so much more than that. My role included writing Personal Programmes, delivering inductions and providing general advice on technique. I have had a number of administrative duties included and redesigned templates for Mini MOT’s and Personal Programmes. I followed all health and safety protocols and completed daily cleaning tasks as required. I often cover additional shifts to help out the department and have assisted in reception when needed. I also acted as a first aider for the gym when on shift. I found my job rewarding and challenging, I enjoy interacting with members and understand the importance of delivering first class customer service.

Home: CV

SKILLS

IT – competent in all Microsoft Office applications (inc developer mode), my graphic design knowledge includes the use of Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop and InDesign. Web development skills including the use of Dreamweaver, website design and build, and SEO. I have basic network planning and installation experience. And I have basic network planning and installation experience.

Administration – ability to support management team, while still managing my own workload. Impeccable time management skills, ability to prioritise tasks and work to deadlines. Strong diary management and the ability to manage complex working relationships with multiple stakeholders.

Management – experience of managing teams large and small, motivating colleagues towards delivering projects on-time and exceeding expectation.

Communication – over the last decade I have gained a significant amount of experience presenting in classroom and boardroom environments. I am comfortable with any size of group and different types of audiences. Excellent verbal and vastly improving written communication skills.

Home: Text

RESEARCH

2019 Teesside University - MSc Dissertation

A cross-sectional study of the attuites of employers towards employing offenders and ex-offenders in the North-east of England

2018 HMP Kirklevington Grange - establishment wide needs analysis

The report focuses on the seven pathways to reducing reoffending, accommodation, education, training and employment, health, drugs and alcohol, finance, benefit and debt, children and families, attitudes, thinking and behaviour. The outcomes were presented to the prison Senior Management Team (SMT) who use this to assess resident’s perceptions of the establishment and formulate relevant action points accordingly

2017 HMP Kirklevington Grange – learning and skills needs analysis 2017

Basic quantitative research into the effectiveness of the Learning and Skills provide within the establishment. Engagement has always been an issue in the open prison estate and by providing anonymity and incentive the response rate was increased to 62%

2017 HMPPS Electronic Monitoring pilot

Interviewed at HMP Kirklevington Grange as part of the internal evaluation of the impact upon service users in the Electronic Monitoring pilot 2017/18

Home: Text

CURRENT RESEARCH

2020 Independent study

The Criminal Justice Systems response to Coronavirus

2019 Teesside University - PhD research project

Offender employment: developing an effective strategy for sustainable rehabilitation and reintegration.

Home: Text

FUTURE RESEARCH INTERESTS

Main areas of interest are social policy, criminal justice, social inequalities and prison education. I continue to develop ideas alongside my postgraduate research, including:

The disposal and rehabilitation of non-violent offenders: how do the courts, probation service and prison service deal with this increasing segment of the population?
Public perceptions of crime and criminal behaviour: is the mass media affecting how we view offenders and ultimately our attitudes to social inclusion?
Social enterprise in a custodial environment: how can these micro businesses become self-sufficient and ultimately reduce reoffending?
The open prison model: how can offenders be better managed in terms of rehabilitation and reintegration into society?
Using sport as a tool for reducing reoffending
Evaluating the social and health benefits of Parkrun in a custodial environment.
Prison subcultures
Can research conducted within prisons be considered as credible?

Home: Text

TEACHING

2020 Teesside University

Delivering the module Identities of Work and Leisure (Level 5)

2020 Teesside University

Delivering the module Understanding Drugs in Society (Level 6)

2019 Future Quals

Additional training Level 3 Award in Education and Training (RQF)

2017 HMP Kirklevington Grange

Peer mentoring, advice and support to offenders

2012 HMP Dovegate

Additional training Level 3 Award in Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector (QCF) (PTLLS)

2010 Self-employed

Training candidates in First Aid, Health and Safety, and Food Hygiene

2008 RLSS NPLQ trainer/assessor

Training/assessing the National Pool Lifeguard Qualification

Home: Text

PUBLICATIONS AND PRESENTATIONS

2020 The Times (online) – Prisons during COVID-19

Interviewing providing opinion as to life in prison during coronavirus, including reaction to the prison services approach to offender management during this period as well as the stresses and strains this places upon an offenders mental health.

2016 BBC Radio Newcastle – News segment

Interview following a presentation to the then Prisons Minister and Local Employers at a Mitie Foundation Business Challenge Day, as a result of this event I received an employment offer, I provided feedback on the event and employing ex-offenders.

Home: Text

CONFERENCES AND COURSES ATTENDED

2019 Teesside University (Middlesbrough) - Future Facing Learning Conference

2018 Fleet Recruitment (Newton Aycliffe) - Employment Engagement Presentation

2006 Phillip Kotler (Prague) - Marketing Strategies Lecture

Home: Text

ADMINISTRATION

NUS Alcohol Impact accreditation audit – auditor
Distribution of workload in a busy work environment
Captaining of local hockey club and all the associated administrative tasks
Data collection and data entry for Kirklevington Grange needs analysis

Home: Text

ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

I have taken any opportunity to gain additional knowledge, these courses at times have been unusual and lack relevance to future employment, however they have proven interesting and added to my teaching portfolio.

NUS - Introduction to auditing & evaluating responsible alcohol consumption
Level 4 Certificate in First Response Emergency Care (RQF)
Level 3 Certificate in First Response Emergency Care (RQF)
Level 3 Award in the Safe Administration of Lifesaving Medication (RQF
Level 4 Active IQ Certificate in Physical Activity and Weight Management for Obese and Diabetic Clients
Level 3 NEBOSH National General Certificate
Level 3 Award in Supervising First Aid for Mental Health
Level 3 Award in Education and Training (RQF)
Level 3 Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector (QCF) (PTLLS)
Level 2 NVQ Information, Advice and Guidance
Level 3 Active IQ Diploma in Fitness Instructing and Personal Training
Level 3 Active IQ Diploma in Exercise Referral
Level 2 Active IQ Level 2 Gym Instructor
Level 3 Award in First Aid at Work (Expiry 26/06/2025)
Level 3 Award in Oxygen Therapy Administration (Expiry 27/06/2025)
Level 3 Award in Immediate Management of Anaphylaxis (Expiry 27/06/2025)
Level 2 Award in CPR & AED (Expiry 26/06/2025)
Level 3 Award in Health & Safety in the Workplace
Level 2 Award in Manual Handling – Principles and Practice
Level 2 Award in Fire Safety
First Aid Internal Quality Assurance Certificate
Approved First Aid Instructor Certificate (Expiry 26/06/2025)
Approved Defibrillation Instructor Certificate (Expiry 26/06/2025)
Approved Oxygen Therapy Instructor Certificate (Expiry 27/06/2025)
Approved Anaphylaxis Management Instructor Certificate (Expiry 27/06/2025)
Approved Health and Safety Instructor Certificate
Approved Fire Safety Instructor Certificate
Approved Fire Safety Awareness Instructor Certificate
Approved Manual Handling Instructor Certificate
Approved First Aid for Mental Health Instructor Certificate
Approved First Aid for Youth Mental Health Instructor Certificate
RLSS National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (expires 10/07/2023)
RLSS National Pool Lifeguard Trainer Assessor (current)
National Pool Plant Operator
Level 3 Diploma in Preforming Manufacturing Operations
Level 2 PAT Testing
Level 2 Food Safety in Catering
11 x General Certificate of Secondary Education (inc Maths, English and Science)
Level 1 Archery Instructor

Home: Text

MEMBERSHIPS AND PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS

2022 Institution of Occupational Safety and Health

Technical member - TechIOSH (renewal 08/2023)

2019 Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity

Personal Trainer Practitioner (renewal due 05/2023)

2012 Royal Life Saving Society UK

Licence to operate (renewal due 15/05/2023)

Home: Text

FURTHER INFORMATION

I have a keen interest in sport, I have played hockey to a high standard and now coach in my spare time. I regularly enjoy playing badminton, tennis and rugby. In 2013 I found a love for triathlon and endurance running, I hope to someday complete an Iron-man. Reading is still a passion, and most things that can get me outdoors. I have some unconventional achievements over the years, and I am naturally inquisitive. I want to learn new things wherever possible; I love to travel and have been lucky enough to take some time to do so a few years ago. I have taken part in a number of endurance events to raise money for charity, in 2017 I cycled the distance of the Tour de France (on a Wattbike) as part of a team and raising over a thousand pounds for Martin House Hospice. I have completed the Great North Run four times (most recently last year) and also took part in the British Triathlon Super Series (Leeds, London and Blenheim Palace).

Home: Text

REFERENCES

Available upon request

Home: Text

LINKS & DOWNLOADS

This section provides links to my research profiles and samples of work.

www.researchgate.com

Researchgate Profile

www.academia.com

Academia profile

www.mendeley.com

Mendeley profile

www.LinkedIn.com

LinkedIn profile

www.Wonkhe.com

Comments on:
How can people with criminal records access higher education?

MSc dissertation

Exploring the attitude of employers towards employing offenders and ex-offenders in the North-East of England

Instructor Qualifications

.PDF document of latest instructor qualifications and insurance.

Home: List

CHRISTOPHER'S BLOG

I have started this as a diary to document my career development:

Elements of this blog will be written retrospectively, or from my notes made at the time, dates and times are intended only for illustrative purposes only. This blog is my opinions, and remember they are just that. It in no way reflects the views of any other party or organisation to which I have an affiliation.

Home: Text

Home: Blog2