Maureen Mguni

My teaching and leadership philosophy are grounded in an inclusive, reflexive, and anti-oppressive approach that bridges the gap between education and frontline practice. Working at the interface of academia and the social work profession, I anticipate and respond to change, build sustainable partnerships, and embed innovation into teaching, learning, and curriculum design to prepare graduates for complex contemporary practice.

Drawing on over 20 years of professional experience across mental health, safeguarding, gender-based violence, and immigration contexts, I bring practice-informed teaching that connects critical theory to lived realities. As Course Leader for the Practice Education Professional Standards, I have led curriculum design that reflects the Future Skills framework—embedding employability, inter-professional learning, and critical thinking at every stage. My approach promotes curiosity, resilience, and leadership in students, aligning with the Townhouse Strategy’s commitment to social impact and community engagement.

Recognising the increasing importance of employer-HEI partnerships, I have contributed to strengthening relationships between universities, local authorities, and voluntary sector partners to co-create practice learning opportunities that are responsive to workforce needs. I have designed and delivered modules on law, policy, child protection, and research methods that integrate digital learning and applied practice through simulation, case-based learning, and peer-led reflective activities.

In leading Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion initiatives, I spearheaded the Decolonising the Social Work Curriculum project, developed training for personal tutors on anti-racist pedagogies, and mentored students of colour—initiatives that have directly enhanced belonging, attainment, and representation. This inclusive pedagogical work not only advances the institutional EDI agenda but also embodies the values of social justice and critical consciousness central to social work education.

My teaching is further enriched by my active research on Female Genital Alteration, intersectionality, and anti-racist practice. I draw on this scholarship to inspire critical debate and to equip students and practitioners with the analytical and ethical tools to navigate global social issues within local practice contexts. Through my scholarship, professional networks, and consultancy, I continue to contribute to a learning culture that values co-production, evidence-informed practice, and transformative education.

Current teaching

Module Leadership

• Practice Education Stage 1
• Practice Education Stage 2
• Introduction to Law, Policy and Ethics
• Practice Skills and Methods: Assessment and Intervention

My research interests centre on gender, culture, and social justice within social work practice. I am particularly interested in the intersections of gender-based violence, human rights, and postcolonial feminism, with a focus on how theory can inform practice in safeguarding and anti-oppressive interventions. My work explores the lived experiences of women affected by Female Genital Alteration (FGA), forced marriage, and honour-based violence, situating these within wider discourses of purity, family honour, and social regulation.

• 2025: Mguni, M., Challenges in Combatting Female Genital Mutilation – book chapter
• 2024: Weekes, P., Ward, S., and Mguni. M, 2024 Beyond tokenism: activism, resistance and rebellion, Equality Diversity and Inclusion An International Journal, DOI: 10.1108/EDI-04-2023-0105
• 2023: Mguni, M., "What social workers need to know about FGM," BASW
• 2023: Weekes, A. and Mguni, M., "What’s race got to do with it?" Professional Social Work
• 2021: Nyashanu M and Mguni M, "Challenges in combatting female genital mutilation: narratives of black Sub-Saharan African (BSSA) women in the English West Midlands region," International Journal of Human Rights in Healthcare, ISSN: 2056-4902
• 2021: Nyashanu, M., Karonga, T., North, G., Mguni, M., and Nyashanu, W., "COVID-19 lockdown and mental health: Exploring triggers of mental health distress among women in the Copperbelt province, Zambia," International Journal of Mental Health, pp.1-14
• 2021: Wilding, J., Mguni, M., and Van Isacker, T., A Huge Gulf. Paul Hamlyn Foundation. (A report on Immigration in London)
• 2021: Mguni, M., "Black Lives Matter: No more silence" in Reid, W., & Maclean, S. (2021). Outlanders: Hidden narratives from social workers of colour. Kirwan Maclean Associates. ISBN: 9781912130566
• 2020: Nyashanu, M, Mguni M et al., "The potential impact of COVID-19 on poor and conflict-ridden communities in Sub-Sahara Africa (SSA): A conceptual paper," DOI: 10.21100/gswr.v1i2.1161

My research explores gender, culture, and social justice in the context of safeguarding and postcolonial feminism. Grounded in lived experience and professional practice, it focuses on how cultural beliefs intersect with law, policy, and social work responses to gender-based violence. My doctoral project, Exploring the Lived Experiences of FGA Affectees in the Southeast United Kingdom and Their Perspectives on Associated Legislation and Social Work Practice, contributes to debates on cultural relativism, human rights, and professional curiosity in social work. This work has both academic and practical impact, informing professional training, community engagement, and safeguarding policy.

My publications span peer-reviewed and professional outlets, including the International Journal of Human Rights in Healthcare and Equality, Diversity and Inclusion: An International Journal. I have co-authored and contributed to edited volumes on women’s leadership, FGM, and decolonial social work, and I continue to build partnerships that link academic research to practice innovation. Through consultancy, media engagement, and collaborative projects with universities and health organisations, I translate research into actionable knowledge that advances anti-oppressive and trauma-informed practice.

Internationally, I have presented my work at major conferences, demonstrating a commitment to knowledge exchange and cross-cultural learning. My recent and forthcoming engagements include:

• Adopting Ubuntu Approaches to Child Protection and Family Preservation – Society for Social Work Research Conference, Seattle (2025)
• Debating Human Rights in Relation to FGM/C: Universalism or Cultural Relativism – Future of Women Conference, Bangkok (2024)

Earlier international and national knowledge exchange activities include:

• Female Genital Mutilation – Webinar 95 (hosted by Student Connect-Siobhan Maclean, 2022)
• Introduction to FGM and Gender-Based Violence – Online Module, Children and Families Across Borders (CFAB, 2021)
• Panellist in the Triple ‘A’ Chinwag – BASW England mini-series on “Authentic Anti-Racist Allyship” (2021)
• Panellist and Workshop Facilitator – Safeguarding: The Basics and Beyond, West Sussex Services for Schools (2018)
• Guest Speaker and Facilitator – Zero Tolerance to FGM Day: FGM Language and the Law, West Sussex Safeguarding Board, WAMEE and Rape Crisis Surrey & Sussex (2018)
• Presenter – Minorities Health and Social Care Group, West Sussex (2018)
• Guest Lecturer – Combating FGM, Nottingham Trent University Department of Public Health (2017)
• Guest Speaker – FGM Symposium, University of Sussex, Department of Law (2016)
• Guest Speaker – International FGM Conference, Birmingham Office of Police and Crime Commissioner (2016)

Through these international and national contributions, I have developed a strong profile in knowledge transfer – bridging academia, policy, and practice. My work influences safeguarding strategies, informs practitioner education, and amplifies the voices of marginalised women globally. In line with institutional priorities on business engagement and internationalisation, I continue to build collaborative research and consultancy networks that promote socially responsible innovation and cross-border learning.

• 2022: Female Genital Mutilation. Webinar 95 - Maureen Mguni (hosted by Student Connect-Siobhan Maclean)
• 2021: Introduction To Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) And Gender-Based Violence (Online Module)
• 2021: Panellist/commentator in the Triple ‘A’ Chinwag, a BASW England pilot mini-series, which explores “authentic anti-racist allyship”
• 2018: Panellist and Workshop Facilitator in the Capacity of FGM Expert at "Safeguarding: The Basics and Beyond", West Sussex Services for Schools, Safeguarding in Education, Tanbridge School, Horsham
• 2018: Guest Speaker, Panellist and Workshop Facilitator at Zero Tolerance to FGM Day "FGM Language and the Law" organised by West Sussex Safeguarding Board, WAMEE and Rape Crisis Surrey and Sussex
• 2018: FGM Presentation at the Minorities Health and Social Care Group, West Sussex, 26 July 2018
• 2017: Guest Speaker at Nottingham Trent University – Department of Public Health, Combating FGM Joint Lecture
• 2016: Guest Speaker at the FGM Symposium, University of Sussex, Department of Law: The effects of the Serious Crime Act 2015 on FGM Awareness raising work with potentially practising communities
• 2016: Guest Speaker at International Female Genital Mutilation Conference hosted by Celestine, in partnership with Birmingham Office of Police and Crime Commissioner, FGM Best Practice

Qualifications and Professional expertise

• Violence Against Women and Girls Consultant
• FGM Expert (Safeguarding Children)

Areas of interest

• Gender-based violence and safeguarding
• Cultural humility and anti-racist practice
• Postcolonial and feminist social work
• Migration, trauma, and identity
• Decolonising pedagogy in social work education

Industry links

• National Health Service

My professional practice is grounded in over two decades of experience across social work, mental health, child protection, gender-based violence, and immigration law. These experiences form the foundation of my academic teaching, research, and consultancy, where I prioritise bridging theory and practice to promote equity, empowerment, and transformative learning. I bring a practitioner’s insight into the classroom, enabling students to connect complex social issues with applied interventions and ethical reflection.

As a senior lecturer and registered member of Social Work England, I design and deliver curricula that reflect current policy and best practice, particularly in safeguarding and social justice. My teaching is informed by my previous leadership experience in social work and the voluntary sector, where I managed services for women affected by gender-based violence and harmful cultural practices. I have delivered training and consultancy for universities, NHS trusts, and local authorities on topics such as Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), anti-racist practice, and trauma-informed care.

I actively contribute to knowledge exchange through collaborative projects that link research, policy, and community practice. My consultancy, Langa Solutions, delivers gender equality and safeguarding training internationally, aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and supporting the professional development of practitioners working with marginalised groups. I have advised local authorities on safeguarding strategy, developed anti-racist education programmes for higher education, and contributed to policy development on gender-based violence and cultural sensitivity.

My commitment to knowledge exchange extends to community engagement and public education. I have delivered keynote lectures and workshops at major conferences, including the Society for Social Work Research Conference (Seattle, 2025) and the Future of Women Conference (Bangkok, 2024), and numerous national safeguarding and equality forums. These engagements have fostered global collaboration and contributed to the exchange of culturally relevant safeguarding practices.

Beyond academia, I serve as a Board Member of the Zimbabwe Educational Trust, an organisation dedicated to widening access to education and empowering underprivileged children through scholarships, mentoring, and community development initiatives. The Trust’s ethos – to promote education as a tool for social mobility and community transformation – aligns with my lifelong commitment to equity and global citizenship.

Across my professional practice, research, and community engagement, I strive to produce tangible social impact through ethical leadership, inclusive education, and cross-sector collaboration.

Professional and scholarly affiliations

• British Association of Social Workers Social Work England Chartered Institute of Management

Before joining academia, I held senior roles across mental health and children’s services, where I developed extensive leadership experience in safeguarding, service transformation, and workforce development. As Operations Manager and FGM Lead at Rape Crisis Surrey & Sussex, I managed a £6m Ministry of Justice-funded centre, overseeing multidisciplinary teams and designing survivor-centred interventions that strengthened local safeguarding partnerships. I led the development of strategy and policy on gender-based violence and advised local authorities on complex safeguarding cases involving women and girls at risk of FGM, forced marriage, and honour-based violence.

In higher education, I have demonstrated leadership as Course Leader for the Practice Education Professional Standards (PEPS 1 and 2), leading curriculum development that embeds inclusion, employability, and practice excellence. I have spearheaded Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion initiatives, including the Decolonising the Social Work Curriculum project and anti-racism training for academic and professional staff. My leadership extends to mentoring students and early-career academics, supporting their progression into research and practice roles.

As a trainer and consultant, I have designed and delivered national awareness programmes on FGM, safeguarding, and anti-racist practice for universities, health organisations, and local authorities. Through my consultancy, Langa Solutions, I continue to contribute to gender equality and community empowerment initiatives. 

I am an active member of the British Association of Social Workers, the Chartered Institute of Management, and Social Work England, and I serve as a peer reviewer for leading international journals in public health and social care. Across all my roles, I strive to model ethical, values-led leadership that fosters collaboration, equity, and innovation in social work education and practice.

University responsibilities

• I am a Senior Lecturer in Social Work, Department Lead for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, and a Doctoral Researcher.