Before joining Bournemouth University as a lecturer in 1995, she worked as a social worker in adult social services in London and Dorset. Her particular interests are in practice with older people and community care, and she has published an number of journal articles in this area. She also developed and taught a research programme for older people in Community Survey Research - funded by Older and Bolder, in September 2004.

Keith holds professional qualifications in nursing, social work and teaching; and academic qualifications in nursing, social work and management. He has worked in the education and training field for over 30 years, working for three universities and three local authority social work departments. Currently he is the Director of the National Centre for Post-Qualifying Social Work and Professional Practice at Bournemouth University and the Director of the Centre for Leadership Impact and Management at Bournemouth. In 2005 he was awarded the Linda Ammon Memorial Award, sponsored by the then Department for Education and Skills, a prize awarded to the individual making the greatest contribution to training and education in the UK. His main academic interest lies in the fusion of academia and professional practice to help improve professional thinking and practice.