Dr. Awais Mashkoor is an ASPIRE Lecturer in Academic, Personal and Professional Development (APPD) at the University of the West of Scotland, specialising in innovative approaches to holistic student development. With a background in public policy and administration, his expertise spans health and social care policy, collaborative governance, and the application of digital technologies in teaching and learning. His PhD, focused on the role of local political leaders in shaping health and social care integration in Scotland, brings a unique blend of academic expertise and practical policy experience to his role in enhancing student success and wellbeing. 

His current work spans several interconnected areas: evaluating the implementation of Scotland's National Care Service, exploring workforce development challenges in the care sector, and investigating the effectiveness of blended learning approaches in policy education. Dr. Mashkoor is particularly interested in the intersection of public policy, organizational leadership, and digital innovation in governance.

Dr. Mashkoor's research and teaching are enriched by his ongoing collaborations with government bodies, including his role as an Associate to the Workforce Charter Advisory Panel with the Scottish Government. This connection between academia and policy practice informs his approach to evidence-based policymaking and knowledge translation.

Public Policy and Administration

• Health and social care integration
• Policy analysis and evaluation
• Collaborative governance
• Evidence-based policymaking

Leadership and Governance

• Local political leadership
• Multi-level governance
• Stakeholder engagement

Research Methods

• Qualitative research techniques
• Elite interviewing
• Documentary analysis
• Action research

Health and Social Care Integration in Scotland

• Ongoing analysis of the role of local political leaders in shaping the planning and implementation of health and social care integration
• Examination of challenges and opportunities in implementing Scotland's National Care Service, with a focus on insights from local strategic stakeholders

Culture, Leadership, and Integration in National Care Service Development

• Collaborative research project exploring the journey towards 'We Are the NCS' (National Care Service)
• Interdisciplinary study involving perspectives from social impact leadership and management

I specialise in designing and delivering innovative courses in Public Policy, Health Policy, and Research Methods. My teaching approach emphasizes blended learning, incorporating flipped classroom techniques, interactive simulations, and real-world case studies to enhance student engagement and critical thinking.

I have played a key role in developing the Master of Public Administration (MPA) program, including creating a new module on Collaborative Governance. This work involves aligning curriculum with industry needs and academic standards, and implementing innovative assessment strategies.

My desired research will focus on evaluating the effectiveness of collaborative governance models in delivering integrated care, with particular emphasis on the role of local leadership and cross-sector partnerships.

I am keen to expand my work on workforce development in the care sector, investigating innovative approaches to address recruitment, retention, and skill development challenges. This research will incorporate interdisciplinary perspectives, drawing insights from public policy, organizational psychology, and management studies. Additionally, I'm interested in exploring the intersection of technology and public policy, particularly in how digital tools can enhance citizen participation in policymaking processes and improve public service delivery. This direction will involve collaborative research with colleagues from computer science and digital humanities. 

1. Scottish Government - Health and Social Care Directorate
   Focus: Collaborate on research related to the National Care Service implementation and workforce development in the care sector.
2. NHS Scotland
   Focus: Partner on projects evaluating health and social care integration models and their impact on service delivery.
3. Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA)
   Focus: Engage in research on local governance and leadership in health and social care reform.
4. Scottish Care
   Focus: Collaborate on workforce development initiatives and policy research in the care sector.
5. KPMG or Deloitte (Public Sector Consulting divisions)
   Focus: Partner on projects evaluating public sector reforms and governance models.