Tracy Kirk takes up law lectureship at Glasgow Caledonian University

Tracy Kirk

Ms Kirk obtained a first class LLB (Hons) from the University of Stirling in 2011. After many years of working with children and young people in education and healthcare, she commenced a PhD at Northumbria University in 2015.

Her research focuses upon the rights of children and adolescents. Her thesis, which she is finishing under the supervision of Professor Raymond Arthur at Northumbria University, provides a legal framework for recognising and maximising the ability of adolescents to make autonomous decisions as they approach adulthood.

She has worked in different capacities for many years and her research publications and conference papers lie across social work, health, ethics, law and education.

Ms Kirk told Scottish Legal News: “I am looking forward to starting at Glasgow Caledonian’s law school. The university’s focus upon the Common Good very much reflects the work I have done with children and young people since leaving school myself.

“Helping children, young people and mature students from a range of backgrounds realise their academic potential is something I am very passionate about and something which I am looking forward to continuing at Glasgow Caledonian.”

She added: “It is a particularly exciting time to be specialising in children and adolescent rights in Scotland. The theory of rights which I have developed, which is underpinned by empowerment, could be the link required to ensure that the ambitions of the Scottish government to make Scotland ‘the best place in the world to grow up in’ becomes a reality.

“Their commitment to incorporating the principles of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child into domestic legislation has started a much wider conversation which allows children, young people and their advocates to make a real long-term difference to how children and young people are seen within wider society.”