Elaine Craig

Elaine (Laney) Craig is a Research-Lecturer at Manchester Metropolitan University whose work focuses on trauma‑responsive, lived experience‑led system reform in health and social care. She specialises in violence, abuse, and mental health, with particular expertise in embedding lived experience and ethical voice in research, policy, and practice.

Her methodological expertise spans qualitative, Experience Based Co-Design, Realist approaches, and creative dissemination, including film. Her research addresses domestic homicide, trauma responsive care in children’s residential homes, restrictive practices and mental health detention. She has contributed to securing over £1.5 million in external research funding.

Elaine is completing a PhD by Publication developing a Systems Harm–Repair Framework for embedding lived experience in health and social care governance. With a parallel 20‑year career in filmmaking, she produces research‑informed films that support reflection and change among practitioners, leaders, and policymakers.