Honorary Professor, Sabrina Cohen-Hatton advises Prince William about homelessness

School of Psychology’s Honorary Professor and Cardiff Fellow, Sabrina Cohen-Hatton, has recently advised the Prince of Wales about homelessness in the UK.

During their meeting in Windsor, Sabrina told the prince about her journey from being homeless to becoming one of the most senior firefighters in the UK. Having experienced bereavement and a turbulent home life as a teenager, Sabrina found herself sleeping rough on the streets of Newport before entering the fire service.

She went on to study for a PhD at Cardiff University’s School of Psychology which she completed in 2013 and has now become the Chief Fire Officer with West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service.  This year Sabrina was awarded the King’s Fire Service Medal.

Sabrina has worked closely with the School of Psychology on a variety of research projects since achieving her PhD, including exploring the skills required to be an effective firefighter. Together with Professor Rob Honey, and working with the National Fire Chiefs Council, she has studied decision-making in individual firefighters as well as group decision-making in emergency settings. This research has provided unique insights which have led to changes in national guidance, policy, training, and evaluation within the emergency services.

Find out more about Dr Sabrina Cohen-Hatton and Professor Rob Honey’s research.