Fiona is the Research Cluster Sub-Theme Lead for health and well-being at The Awen Institute and is Professor of Social Work and Social Care in the School of Human and Health Sciences. She is a sociologist and a social worker with expertise in community development, social policy and practitioner research.

Fiona began her career in Australia in the early 1980s as a community development worker in aged care. She has subsequently worked in management positions in the community health sector and held policy positions in non-government organisations.

As an academic, she has taught and researched in areas of social policy, community development and social planning. She held the position of Dean, School of Social and Policy Studies at Flinders University, South Australia over the period 2011-2013. Fiona throughout her career has been active in community work in the voluntary sector.