Richard joined Northumbria University in 2024, after 19 years at The University of Queensland, Australia, before which he enjoyed an 18-year career as a chef. Specialising in service work and employment, his projects have investigated the tourism, hospitality, leisure, transport, retail and welfare/social service sector contexts in the formal, gig and grey economies. His research has been funded by fellowships, competitive research grants, corporations, not-for-profits, industry peak bodies, government, and international agencies - and explores themes such as fair, safe and sustainable work, mental health and wellbeing, careers and vocations, and skills, training and development. Richard has lead undergraduate and postgraduate courses in operations, management, critical studies and professional development. His teaching and learning expertise and scholarship are recognized by awards and advisory appointments at state, national and international levels. Richard has held university leadership positions in higher degree research portfolios and in community with an internationally confederated charity. He currently holds a three-year Vice Chancellor Fellowship with Northumbria University