Alex Leeder

Social worker, teacher and author

Alex lives and works in England with his wife and two daughters. He has practiced as a social worker for several years, qualifying in 2013. Alex worked for over 4 years in a learning disabilities team and his since worked in mental health services, a young adults transitions team, generic community social work team, and most recently a hospital social work team.

Alex has lived in Stoke-on-Trent, Aberystwyth and Worcester, and attended Keele University, Aberystwyth University and Worcester University. After having completed a Law degree and the Legal Practice Course, he was later able to complete an MA in Social Work and embark on his social work career. 

Alex has lectured at Worcester University and the Heart of Worcestershire College (HOW) in relation to The Care Act 2014, Mental Capacity Act 2005 and learning disabilities. He is a qualified Practice Educator, supporting social work students during their placements, and has written for the “National Elf Service”, reviewing research in areas of interest such as direct payments and mental capacity. 

Alex values equality, social justice, inclusion, citizenship and anti-oppressive practice. He has a keen interest in changing systems to work better for citizens, and wants to challenge systems that work in the interests of ‘the system’ rather than for the people. He is developing his knowledge of self-directed support and has spoken at self-advocacy group meetings to develop community networks and promote empowerment.

Alex is a vocal supporter of anti-racism, has been advocating for this in his local community, and is looking at ways to incorporate anti-racism philosophy into local authority policies.

Alex also has an interest in ideas of community and citizenship and how this can be developed and promoted. He has a continued interest in how Central Government decisions and political ideologies influence the direction of health and social care. 

Alex’s other interests include sport, music, comedy, nature and conservation.

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