I am a sole trader with an extensive network of associates.

Professional qualifications

Experience

I worked for 11 years as a neighbourhood based community worker, initially at the Bristol Settlement in Barton Hill and after gaining my professional qualifications, I worked for Easton Community Association, supporting community members to set up and run activities at the local voluntary run community centre. During this time, I supervised over a dozen student placements and also became involved in formal teaching at Bristol University and the University of the West of Enfland.

This led to a period lecturing in higher education, where I was responsible for practice learning and the teaching of the theory and practice of youth work and community development. I also undertook research for my doctoral thesis in networking and community development.

I joined the Community Development Foundation in 1999 as Regional Links Manager, liaising with Government Offices and the regional development agencies across England to advise them on how community development approaches can be used in a range of different policy areas, notably regeneration, cohesion and community involvement.

My role changed in 2003 to Director of Practice Development, when I became a member of the senior management team. My team covered the Practice Links team, Wales and the European and International Unit. We were responsible for 'learning from experience, in order to improve practice and influence policy'.  During this time, I managed research projects and wrote guides to networking, community cohesion and equalities work.

Current standing

Since March 2009 I have been trading as an independent consultant and have developed an excellent track record of project management, delivering training and reports on time and to a high standard.