Career history

From 2000-2009 I was a strategic manager at the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority/Qualifications and Curriculum Development Agency (QCA/QCDA).  My work included monitoring, advising and supporting the development of the curriculum in primary and secondary schools and Further Education colleges. 

I started my career as a teacher then worked for the Careers Research and Advisory Centre as a courses manager before joining the School Curriculum Industry Partnership (SCIP) in 1988 as the regional coordinator for South West England and Wales. In 1995 I became a regional director at the University of Warwick’s Centre for Education and Industry (CEI). My work with SCIP and CEI included supporting primary and secondary teachers to develop the curriculum using the world of work as a context for learning. From 2009 to 2011, I worked for the Specialist Schools and Academies Trust, with responsibility for strategic management of employer engagement programmes.

I have extensive experience as a trainer and consultant and have been responsible for numerous publications including curriculum materials, quality standards, and training manuals. I am a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, Associate at HOST Policy Research and Associate Fellow at the University of Warwick. I am also a member of the council of the Association for Careers Education and Guidance.

In addition to working as an independent consultant, I am director of Education for Emplyability C.I.C. and project manager for Bath Education Trust.