Kate McAllister

I started my working life as a translator, having studied Modern Languages at University, but then spent many years working in social housing, becoming an elected fellow of the Chartered Institute of Housing, and a senior director and then CEO for a large national charity. It was when I was seconded into central government to oversee the production of some new national quality standards that I first became interested in Positive Psychology, particularly strengths-based approaches to improvement, such as Appreciative Inquiry.

I was amazed at how quickly performance improved when the focus was on what worked well and what people were proud of. I trained as an Appreciative Inquiry practitioner and started to use the approach with the people and organisations that I worked with.

In 2019 I finally found the time to complete my MSc in Applied Positive Psychology at BNU and am proud to now be an Associate Lecturer on this amazing course. Although now semi-retired, I still work with organisations as an Appreciative Inquiry Practitioner, trainer and coach.

On a personal level, I practice yoga regularly, have recently become a Master Reiki Practitioner and am training to become a menopause and wellbeing coach, with the aim of supporting women in my local community. I also gained my black belt in karate about 10 years ago, which was a rewarding and surprisingly spiritual experience! 

Publications

McAllister, K., & Luckcock, T. (2009). Appreciative inquiry: a fresh approach to continuous improvement in public services. Housing, Care and Support, 12(1), 30-33. https://doi.org/10.1108/14608790200900006

McAllister, K. (2009), "Using Supporting People funding in individual budgets", Housing, Care and Support, Vol. 12 No. 1, pp. 25-29. https://doi.org/10.1108/14608790200900005

McAllister, K. (2001), "Service review: Devising an all ‐ purpose methodology", Housing, Care and Support, Vol. 4 No. 4, pp. 9-12. https://doi.org/10.1108/14608790200100031

• Associate Lecturer