Kat’s research interests include violence prevention, specifically research which focusses on adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), the misuse of alcohol and management of the night-time economy. Kat has led a number of regional and national ACE studies and the first study in the UK to explore the prevalence of ACEs in an offender population. Kat is a mixed-methods researcher with experience in evaluation of public health interventions, including the Time to Move workplace physical activity initiative (Public Health Wales) and the #TimeToBeKind campaign (the Welsh ACE Support Hub). Kat also has experience in systematic reviews and evidence synthesis.

Prior to working at Bangor, Kat worked in the Policy, Research and International Development Directorate at Public Health Wales, where she was the research lead on the Police Innovation Funded, Early Intervention and Prevention project. She also worked for three years in the Behavioural Epidemiology team at the Centre for Public Health, Liverpool John Moores University - a World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Violence Prevention. Kat completed her PhD at Liverpool University, which explored women’s alcohol consumption during pregnancy in Scotland; this research was funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) and The Scottish Government.

Kat is currently a PhD supervisor for Sophie Rice-Payton. Sophie’s PhD studentship is exploring the associations between ACEs and criminality.

Twitter handle @Katharineford

Email                   k.ford@bangor.ac.uk

Phone                  01248383519

Location              Cambrian House, Wrexham

• PhD: Understanding the Use of Alcohol in Pregnancy amongst Women in Scotland
  University of Liverpool, 2013
• MA: MA Research Methodologies (Population Studies)
  University of Liverpool, 2008
• BA: BA (Hons) Human Geography
  University of Liverpool, 2007

I am willing to supervise a PhD

2022

• PublishedA rapid review of the impact of office layout on employee health, productivity and sustainability
  Ford, K., Griffith, N., Hughes, K. & Bellis, M., May 2022, Wrexham: Bangor University. 10 p.
  Research output: Book/Report › Commissioned report › peer-review
• PublishedAn evaluation of a short film promoting kindness in Wales during COVID‑19 restrictions #TimeToBeKind
  Ford, K., Bellis, M., Hill, R. & Hughes, K., 24 Mar 2022, In: BMC Public Health. 22, 1, 14 p., 583.
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
• PublishedAssociations between adverse childhood experiences, attitudes towards COVID-19 restrictions and vaccine hesitancy: a cross-sectional study
  Bellis, M., Hughes, K., Ford, K., Madden, H., Glendinning, F. & Wood, S., 1 Feb 2022, In: BMJ Open. 12, 2, p. e053915
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
• PublishedImpacts of a workplace physical activity intervention on employee physical activity & mental health for NHS staff in Wales: an evaluation of the pilot Time to Move initiative
  Ford, K., Bellis, M., Hughes, K. & Sharp, C., 1 Mar 2022, In: International Journal of Population Data Science. 7, 2, 1 p., 4.
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Meeting Abstract › peer-review
• PublishedMaternal adverse childhood experiences and their association with preterm birth: secondary analysis of data from universal health visiting
  Hardcastle, K., Ford, K. & Bellis, M., 16 Feb 2022, In: BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth. 22, 1, 129.
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

2021

• PublishedAdult support during childhood: a retrospective study of trusted adult relationships, sources of personal adult support and their association with childhood resilience resources
  Ashton, K., Davies, A. R., Hughes, K., Ford, K., Cotter-Roberts, A. & Bellis, M., 27 Jun 2021, In: BMC Psychology. 9, 1, 1 p., 101.
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
• PublishedAdverse childhood experiences (ACEs) in Bolton: Impacts on health, wellbeing and resilience
  Ford, K., Hughes, K. & Bellis, M., Dec 2021, Public Health Wales; Bangor University. 35 p.
  Research output: Book/Report › Commissioned report › peer-review
• PublishedHealth and financial costs of adverse childhood experiences in 28 European countries: a systematic review and meta-analysis
  Hughes, K., Ford, K., Bellis, M., Glendinning, F., Harrison, E. & Passmore, J., 1 Nov 2021, In: Lancet Public Health. 6, 11, p. e848-e857
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
• PublishedPerceptions of a short animated film on adverse childhood experiences: a mixed methods evaluation
  Ford, K., Bellis, M. A., Isherwood, K. & Hughes, K., 17 Aug 2021, In: BMJ Open. 11, 8, e050398.
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
• PublishedProfiadau Niweidiol mewn Plentyndod (ACEs) a Diabetes | Adolygiad byr
  Ford, K., Hughes, K. & Bellis, M., 25 May 2021, Public Health Wales; Bangor University.
  Research output: Book/Report › Commissioned report › peer-review

2020

• PublishedAdverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and Diabetes | A brief review
  Hughes, K., Ford, K. & Bellis, M., 25 May 2020, Public Health Wales; Bangor University.
  Research output: Book/Report › Commissioned report › peer-review
• PublishedAdverse Childhood Experiences in child refugee and asylum seeking populations
  Wood, S., Ford, K., Hardcastle, K., Hopkins, J., Hughes, K. & Bellis, M., 23 Apr 2020, Public Health Wales NHS Trust. 44 p.
  Research output: Book/Report › Other report › peer-review
• PublishedAdverse childhood experiences: a retrospective study to understand their associations with lifetime mental health diagnosis, self-harm or suicide attempt, and current low mental wellbeing in a male Welsh prison population
  Ford, K., Bellis, M., Hughes, K., Barton, E. & Newbury, A., 12 Jun 2020, In: BMC Health & Justice. 8, 1, 13.
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
• PublishedEvaluation of a pilot workplace physical activity initiative: Time to Move
  Sharp, C., Ford, K., Wynne, C. & Willmot, R., 2020, Bangor University. 84 p.
  Research output: Book/Report › Other report › peer-review
• PublishedGwerthusiad o fenter gweithgarwch corfforol beilot yn y gweithle: Amser i Symud
  Sharp, C., Ford, K., Wynne, C. & Willmot, R., 2020, Bangor University. 84 p.
  Research output: Book/Report › Other report › peer-review
• PublishedHealth and financial burden of adverse childhood experiences in England and Wales: a combined primary data study of five surveys
  Hughes, K., Ford, K., Kadel, R., Sharp, C. & Bellis, M., 7 Jun 2020, In: BMJ Open. 10, 6, 9 p., e036374.
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
• PublishedInspiration from ACE Interrupters in Great Britain: Sharing the stories of individuals who have made a remarkable difference to those affected by Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)
  Hardcastle, K. (ed.), Bellis, M. (ed.), Ford, K. (ed.), Hetherington, K. (ed.), Hopkins, J. (ed.) & Clark, E. (ed.), 21 May 2020, Public Health Wales NHS Trust. 64 p.
  Research output: Book/Report › Book
• PublishedPublic acceptability of public health policy to improve population health: a population-based survey
  Sharp, C., Bellis, M., Hughes, K., Ford, K. & Di Lemma, L., Aug 2020, In: Health Expectations. 23, 4, p. 802-812 11 p.
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
• PublishedUnderstanding the association between self-reported poor oral health and exposure to adverse childhood experiences: a retrospective study
  Ford, K., Brocklehurst, P., Hughes, K., Sharp, C. & Bellis, M., 14 Feb 2020, In: BMC Oral Health. 20, 1, p. 51 9 p., 51.
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
• PublishedUnderstanding the outcome of police safeguarding notifications to social services in South Wales
  Ford, K., Newbury, A., Meredith, Z., Evans, J., Hughes, K., Roderick, J., Davies, A. R. & Bellis, M., 1 Jun 2020, In: The Police Journal: Theory, Practice and Principles. 93, 2, p. 87-108 21 p.
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

2019

• PublishedAdverse childhood experiences, childhood relationships and associated substance use and mental health in young Europeans
  Hughes, K., Bellis, M. A., Sethi, D., Andrew, R., Yon, Y., Wood, S., Ford, K., Baban, A., Boderscova, L., Kachaeva, M., Makaruk, K., Markovic, M., Povilaitis, R., Raleva, M., Terzic, N., Veleminsky, M., Włodarczyk, J. & Zakhozha, V., 1 Aug 2019, In: European Journal of Public Health. 29, 4, p. 741-747 7 p.
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
• PublishedAssociations between childhood deaths and adverse childhood experiences: An audit of data from a child death overview panel
  Grey, H., Ford, K., Bellis, M., Lowey, H. & Wood, S., Apr 2019, In: Child Abuse and Neglect. 90, p. 22-31
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
• PublishedDeall cyfraddau profiadau niweidiol yn ystod plentyndod (ACEs) ymysg poblogaeth o droseddwyr gwrywaidd yng Nghymru: Arolwg ACEs Carcharorion
  Ford, K., Barton, E., Newbury, A., Hughes, K., Bezeczky, Z., Roderick, J. & Bellis, M., 29 Apr 2019, Public Health Wales; Bangor University. 46 p.
  Research output: Book/Report › Other report › peer-review
• PublishedIdeal, expected and perceived descriptive norm drunkenness in UK nightlife environments: a cross-sectional study
  Hughes, K., Quigg, Z., Ford, K. & Bellis, M., 27 Apr 2019, In: BMC Public Health. 19, 1, 7 p., 442.
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
• PublishedLife course health consequences and associated annual costs of adverse childhood experiences across Europe and North America: a systematic review and meta-analysis
  Bellis, M. A., Hughes, K., Ford, K., Ramos Rodriguez, G., Sethi, D. & Passmore, J., Oct 2019, In: Lancet Public Health. 4, 10, p. e517-e528
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
• PublishedResponding to Adverse Childhood Experiences: An evidence review of interventions to prevent and address adversity across the life course
  Di Lemma, L., Davies, A. R., Ford, K., Hughes, K., Homolova, L., Gray, B. & Richardson, G., 13 May 2019, Public Health Wales; Bangor University. 44 p.
  Research output: Book/Report › Other report › peer-review
• PublishedThe evidence base for routine enquiry into adverse childhood experiences: A scoping review
  Ford, K., Hughes, K., Hardcastle, K., Di Lemma, L., Davies, A., Edwards, S. & Bellis, M., May 2019, In: Child Abuse and Neglect. 91, May, p. 131-146 15 p.
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
• PublishedUnderstanding the prevalence of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) in a male offender population in Wales: The Prisoner ACE Survey
  Ford, K., Barton, E., Newbury, A., Hughes, K., Bezeczky, Z., Roderick, J. & Bellis, M., 29 Apr 2019, Wrexham: Public Health Wales; Bangor University. 46 p.
  Research output: Book/Report › Other report › peer-review

2018

• PublishedAdverse childhood experiences and sources of childhood resilience: a retrospective study of their combined relationships with child health and educational attendance
  Bellis, M., Hughes, K., Ford, K., Hardcastle, K., Sharp, C., Wood, S., Homolova, L. & Davies, A. R., 26 Jun 2018, In: BMC Public Health. 18, 792.
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
• PublishedDoes adult alcohol consumption combine with adverse childhood experiences to increase involvement in violence in men and women? A cross-sectional study in England and Wales
  Bellis, M. A., Hughes, K., Ford, K., Edwards, S., Sharples, O., Hardcastle, K. & Wood, S., 6 Dec 2018, In: BMJ Open. 8, 12, 10 p., e020591.
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
• PublishedDrink Less Enjoy More: effects of a multi-component intervention on improving adherence to, and knowledge of, alcohol legislation in a UK nightlife setting
  Quigg, Z., Hughes, K., Butler, N., Ford, K., Canning, I. & Bellis, M. A., Aug 2018, In: Addiction. 113, 8, p. 1420-1429
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
• PublishedFfynonellau gwydnwch a’u cysylltiadau lliniarol gyda’r niwed sy’n cael ei achosi gan brofiadau niweidiol yn ystod plentyndod: Adroddiad 1: Salwch meddwl
  Hughes, K., Ford, K., Davies, A., Homolova, L. & Bellis, M., 18 Jan 2018, Public Health Wales NHS Trust. 60 p.
  Research output: Book/Report › Other report › peer-review
• PublishedMeasuring the relationships between adverse childhood experiences and educational and employment success in England and Wales: findings from a retrospective study
  Hardcastle, K., Bellis, M., Ford, K., Hughes, K., Garner, J. & Rodriguez, G., Dec 2018, p. 106-116.
  Research output: Contribution to conference › Paper › peer-review
• PublishedResearcher reflexivity and the ethical dimensions of observing the response to vulnerability by frontline policing
  Ford, K., 18 Jan 2018.
  Research output: Contribution to conference › Paper › peer-review
• PublishedSources of childhood and adult resilience and their impact on harms associated with adverse childhood experiences
  Hughes, K., Ford, K. & Bellis, M., 1 Nov 2018, In: Injury Prevention. 24, Supplement 2, p. A110
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
• PublishedSources of resilience and their moderating relationships with harms from adverse childhood experiences. Report 1: Mental illness
  Hughes, K., Ford, K., Davies, A., Homolova, L. & Bellis, M., 18 Jan 2018, Public Health Wales NHS Trust. 60 p.
  Research output: Book/Report › Other report › peer-review
• PublishedStrengthening resilience through the Early Intervention and Prevention: Breaking the Generational Cycle of Crime project
  Bezeczky, Z., Barton, E., Ford, K. & Roderick, J., 2018, Health 2020 priority area four: creating supportive environments and resilient communities. A compendium of inspirational examples. Ziglio, E. (ed.). World Health Organization. Regional Office for Europe. , p. 134-144
  Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Chapter › peer-review
• PublishedThe police response to vulnerability and risk: a public health approach to policing
  Ford, K., Roderick, J., Evans, J., Newbury, A., Bezeczky, Z., Hughes, K. & Bellis, M., 1 Nov 2018, In: Injury Prevention. 24, suppl 2, p. A42 1 p.
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Conference article › peer-review
• PublishedThe understanding of ACEs in the offender population research study. Report 1: Understanding the awareness of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) in the criminal justice workforce
  Newbury, A., Ford, K. & Roderick, J., 2018, Public Health Wales NHS Trust.
  Research output: Book/Report › Other report

2017

• PublishedA Process and feasibility evaluation of the pilot Adverse Childhood Experience (ACE) Informed Approach to Policing Vulnerability Training
  Ford, K., Newbury, A., Meredith, Z., Evans, J. & Roderick, J., 2017.
  Research output: Contribution to conference › Poster
• PublishedAdverse Childhood Experiences: Breaking the Generational Cycle of Crime: Turning Understanding into Action: Summary Report
  Ford, K., Kelly, S., Evans, J., Newbury, A., Meredith, Z. & Roderick, J., 2017, Public Health Wales NHS Trust.
  Research output: Book/Report › Other report
• PublishedAdverse Childhood Experiences: Breaking the Generational Cycle of Crime: Understanding the response to vulnerability by South Wales Police Force and other agencies
  Ford, K., Evans, J., Newbury, A., Meredith, Z. & Roderick, J., 2017, Public Health Wales NHS Trust.
  Research output: Book/Report › Other report
• PublishedDoes continuous trusted adult support in childhood impart life-course resilience against adverse childhood experiences - a retrospective study on adult health-harming behaviours and mental well-being
  Bellis, M. A., Hardcastle, K., Ford, K., Hughes, K., Ashton, K., Quigg, Z. & Butler, N., 23 Mar 2017, In: BMC Psychiatry. 17, 1, p. 110
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
• PublishedErratum to: Does continuous trusted adult support in childhood impart life-course resilience against adverse childhood experiences - a retrospective study on adult health-harming behaviours and mental well-being
  Bellis, M. A., Hardcastle, K., Ford, K., Hughes, K., Ashton, K., Quigg, Z. & Butler, N., 13 Apr 2017, In: BMC Psychiatry. 17, 1, p. 140
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
• PublishedFeedback on Operation liberty: Police understanding of vulnerability
  Ford, K., Barton, E. & Roderick, J., 2017, Public Health Wales NHS Trust.
  Research output: Book/Report › Other report
• PublishedThe impact of adverse childhood experiences on health service use across the life course using a retrospective cohort study
  Bellis, M., Hughes, K., Hardcastle, K., Ashton, K., Ford, K., Quigg, Z. & Davies, A., 11 Jul 2017, In: Journal of Health Services Research and Policy. 22, 3, p. 168-177
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

2016

• PublishedAdverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) in Hertfordshire, Luton and Northamptonshire
  Ford, K., Butler, N., Hughes, K., Quigg, Z. & Bellis, M., May 2016, Centre for Public Health, Liverpool John Moores University.
  Research output: Book/Report › Other report
• PublishedAdverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) in Wales and their Impact on Health in the Adult Population: Mariana Dyakova
  Bellis, M. A., Ashton, K., Hughes, K., Ford, K., Bishop, J. & Paranjothy, S., Nov 2016, In: European Journal of Public Health. 26, Supplement 1
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Meeting Abstract › peer-review
• PublishedThe service of alcohol to drunks: Measuring and supporting compliance with the law in Manchester City Centre’s nightlife
  Ford, K., Quigg, Z., Butler, N. & Hughes, K., 2016, Public Health Institute, Liverpool John Moores University.
  Research output: Book/Report › Other report › peer-review
• PublishedUnderstanding the impact of adverse childhood experiences on health and wellbeing in England
  Ford, K., Quigg, Z., Hughes, K., Butler, N. & Bellis, M. A., 1 Sep 2016, In: Injury Prevention. 22, Supplement 2, p. A104
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Meeting Abstract › peer-review

2010

• PublishedEthics, Methods, and Researching Sensitive Topics With Vulnerable Groups
  Ford, K., 2010, In: International Journal of Qualitative Methods. 9, 4, p. 442 1 p.
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Meeting Abstract › peer-review
• PublishedTaking a Risk: Exploring Alcohol and Pregnancy With Women in Scotland
  Ford, K., 2010, In: International Journal of Qualitative Methods. 9, 4, p. 350-351 2 p.
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Meeting Abstract › peer-review

2018

• ACEs in Wales and preliminary findings from a review into routine enquiry

  19 Jun 2018

  Activity: Invited talk (Speaker)
• Adverse childhood experiences, mental illness and the protective effects of resilience in Wales

  3 May 2018

  Activity: Invited talk (Speaker)
• Public Health Wales ‘Research with impact’ showcase event

  Working with the police to understand their response to vulnerable individuals and people at risk

  8 Mar 2018

  Activity: Participation in conference (Speaker)
• Being There: Ethnography and the Study of Policing Conference

  Researcher reflexivity and the ethical dimensions of observing the response to vulnerability by frontline policing

  18 Jan 2018

  Activity: Participation in conference (Speaker)

2017

• Translating evidence on Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) into practice: an example of using an ACE lens for policy development in South Wales.

  20 Jun 2017 – 21 Jun 2017

  Activity: Oral presentation (Speaker)
• Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) in Wales and the Early Intervention and Prevention Project

  6 Jun 2017

  Activity: Invited talk (Speaker)

• KESS II MRes with Public Health Wales- BUK2E071

  01/03/2022 – 31/03/2023 (Active)

• Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), health service use and compliance with public health guidance.

  24/01/2022 – 15/10/2022 (Active)

• Impact of COVID-19 on mental health and wellbeing in North Wales

  01/12/2021 – 15/04/2022 (Finished)

• Evaluation of a Public Health Wales’ national physical activity hour initiative

  01/06/2018 – 15/01/2023 (Active)