Dr Anne Patterson is an experienced researcher at the University of Nottingham with a portfolio which includes research in adult social care and safeguarding. Her PhD in Social Sciences focused on communication with adults with learning disabilities and she is particularly experienced in research on sensitive issues.

She was the lead researcher on a project looking at abuse and poor practice in residential care and support-living services, in particular exploring care staff’s understandings of what constitutes poor practice and/or abuse. The findings from this work have been used to formulate guidelines and training for care staff on safeguarding matters.

She has conducted focus groups with 'vulnerable' adults and carers about their concerns and has undertaken interviews with health and social care staff about poor practice and abuse. Other research interests include exploring health and social care experiences and needs in the lives of potentially vulnerable and/or marginalised groups.