I graduated from the Leeds Metropolitan in 2000 with a BA (Hons) in Youth and Community Work. Following this I completed a PGCE Teacher Training (post 16 – Lifelong Learning) in 2007 at Huddersfield University and an MA in Youth and Community Development in 2017 at University College Birmingham.
Since 1994 I have worked extensively in a variety of roles including as a Youth Development Worker, Project Coordinator, Employment and Training Team Leader and a Family Support Worker. I have worked in the statutory/voluntary sector and on a voluntary basis where I successfully gained a range of skills, knowledge and experience whilst working with children, young people and families.
Prior to joining Staffordshire University, I delivered contemporary themes as a guest lecturer at University College Birmingham and became an external examiner for Coventry University for their BA (Hons) Youth and Community degree.
Since joining Staffordshire University in 2019 as a lecturer I have taught on the Social Welfare Law, Policy and Advice Practice, Health and Social Care and the Social Work degree. As a result of my vast experience in children, young people and families, I have been instrumental in the design of the new BA (Hons) Working with Children Young People and Families and a Level 5 Diploma (Dip HE) Leadership and Management with Children, Young People and Families.
I currently hold the position of Senior Lecturer and Course Lead.
Academic qualifications
- MA Youth and Community Development
- PGCE Teacher Training (Post 16 – Lifelong Learning)
- BA(Hons) Youth and Community Work
- Level 4 Working with Families with Complex Needs
- Level 4 NVQ Information Advice and Guidance
- Level 3 QCF Health and Social Care
Expertise
I have a wealth of experience and involvement in delivering bespoke workshops including:
Youth Development Work (Detached, Centre Based and Outreach Work which included managing Youth Projects)
Working with Families, Young People and Children (Mentoring young people, Case Management/Referrals, Early Help Assessments)
Family Conflict Resolution (Parenting Support, Mediation, Advocacy, Delivering Parenting Programmes)
Training - delivering both creative and innovative bespoke training programmes/workshops in a variety of educational and community settings
As well as:
- Children, Young People and Families
- Family Support Work
- Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Research interests
- BAME issues
- Children, Young People and Families
Teaching
- Social Welfare Law, Policy Advice and Practice,
- Social Work
- Working with Children, Young People and Families degree and apprenticeship