Francis joined Edge Hill University in 2003 where he established and led the RE PGCE. In his current role, he is a Senior Lecturer in Theology and Religion and teaches across secondary undergraduate and MA provision. He is an active researcher and is leading a project exploring teachers and young people’s understandings of British identity. Prior to joining Edge Hill University Francis taught in secondary schools and held posts as Head of Humanities and Head of RE, Sociology and Philosophy in a North West school.

Francis has held several external examiner positions, including chief external examiner for providers offering secondary ITE QTS programmes. He has been a PhD supervisor since 2016 and has served as a PhD external examiner. He is currently Deputy Chair of the Faculty of Education research ethics committee. Francis is the higher education representative of a local SACRE (standing advisory council for religious education). He is a member of NATRE (National association of teachers of RE).

Francis reviews for the following journals: Gender and Education, British Educational Research journal, Educational Review, Youth and Society.

• Teacher and learner identities
• Education policy and policy enactment
• Equalities, social justice and education
• Buddhism in Britain
• Religious education, policy, pedagogy and theory