Funding

Competition funded (UK/EU and international students)

Project code

LAW50350125

Department

School of Law

Start dates

October 2025

Application deadline

17 January 2025

Applications are invited for a fully-funded three-year PhD to commence in October 2025. 

The PhD will be based in the Faculty of Business and Law, and will be supervised by Dr Kieran Walsh and Dr Shane McKinder. 

Candidates applying for this project may be eligible to compete for one of a small number of bursaries available. Successful applicants will receive a bursary to cover tuition fees for three years and a stipend in line with the UKRI rate (£19,237 for 2024/25). Bursary recipients will also receive £2,000 for fieldwork purposes. 

Costs for student visa and immigration health surcharge are not covered by this bursary. For further guidance and advice visit our international and EU students ‘Visa FAQs’ page.    

The work on this project could involve:

  • Comparative Legal Analysis: The project explores voluntary care arrangements under Section 20 of the Children Act 1989 (England) and Section 76 of the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014, focusing on their alignment with international children’s rights standards, particularly the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC).
  • Doctrinal and Empirical Research: Conduct a detailed legal analysis of statutory frameworks, case law, and policy guidance in England and Wales. Explore how these legal frameworks operate in practice by reviewing administrative data to identify trends in the use of Section 20 and Section 76 and engaging with stakeholders, including social workers, to understand their experiences, perceptions of coercion versus cooperation, and awareness of the UNCRC’s requirements.
  • Evidence-Based Recommendations: This project aims to inform future policy and legislative reforms on voluntary care arrangements by providing robust, research-backed insights. It directly aligns with the current priority of reforming children’s social care in England, contributing valuable evidence to shape more equitable and rights-based practices.

This research compares voluntary care arrangements under Section 20 of the Children Act 1989 in England and Section 76 of the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014. It evaluates whether the Welsh requirement for local authorities to consider children’s rights under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) fosters more rights-based and transparent practices than in England. The study examines the interaction between legal frameworks, children’s rights, and the implementation of voluntary care arrangements to identify strengths and areas for improvement.

First, the research analyses the legal frameworks governing Section 20 and Section 76, focusing on statutory provisions, policies, and case law. It explores differences in child participation, parental consent, and safeguards against coercion, assessing their alignment with international standards, particularly the UNCRC.

Second, it evaluates the influence of the UNCRC on Welsh practices. Wales’ incorporation of the UNCRC through the Rights of Children and Young Persons (Wales) Measure 2011 and the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014 mandates a rights-based approach. The research investigates whether this has resulted in less coercive, more cooperative, and equitable applications of Section 76 compared to Section 20 in England.

Third, the study examines the practical implementation of these frameworks by local authorities through a review of administrative data and stakeholder experiences, assessing whether they align with principles of cooperation and children’s rights.

Finally, the research synthesises legal and empirical findings to provide evidence-based recommendations for improving voluntary care arrangements. By highlighting strengths in the Welsh approach, it seeks to inform policy and practice in both jurisdictions, emphasising transparent decision-making, strong safeguards, and meaningful child participation to ensure voluntary care arrangements serve as supportive, non-coercive measures.

 

 

 

Entry Requirements

You'll need a good first degree from an internationally recognized university (minimum upper second class or equivalent, depending on your chosen course) or a Master’s degree in an Information Systems/Information Technology/Social Sciences. In exceptional cases, we may consider equivalent professional experience and/or qualifications. English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.5 with no component score below 6.0.

Candidates should ideally have experience with legal or social care issues affecting young people. A solid understanding of the processes and reasons behind voluntary placements of children in care is important.

The role involves mixed-methods research, so a willingness to engage with empirical work will be a valuable asset. While prior experience in empirical research methods is not mandatory, as training will be provided, it is considered an advantage.

Applicants from non-legal backgrounds are welcome to apply but must possess a good understanding of the legal context and demonstrate a willingness to undertake relevant training if required.

 


 

 

How to apply 

We’d encourage you to contact  Dr Kieran Walsh (kieran.walsh@port.ac.uk) or Dr Shane McKinder (shane.mckinder@port.ac.uk) to discuss your interest before you apply, quoting the project code.

When you are ready to apply, you can use our online application form. Make sure you submit a personal statement, proof of your degrees and grades, details of two referees, proof of your English language proficiency and an up-to-date CV.  Our ‘How to Apply’ page offers further guidance on the PhD application process. 

Please also include a research proposal of 1,000 words outlining the main features of your proposed research design – including how it meets the stated objectives, the challenges this project may present, and how the work will build on or challenge existing research in the above field.
 

If you want to be considered for this funded PhD opportunity you must quote project code LAW50350125 when applying. Please note that email applications are not accepted.