Maggie Gregson is Professor of Vocational Education and Strategic Director of the University of Sunderland Centre for Excellence in Teaching Training (SUNCETT). Her research mainly focuses on the study of the nature of educational practice and the ways in which educational theory, practice and research are currently understood. Professor Gregson started her career as a civil servant in the former Department of Employment, working as a regional and national policy adviser in the development, implementation and evaluation of education and training policy in England. Following this, she moved into initial teacher education posts and then into senior management roles in Further Education.