I have been a qualified Social Worker for as long as I can remember, working with children and their families to achieve better outcomes. In my time, I’ve worked in Safeguarding and Children in Care, in YOT, and as a senior officer instructing solicitors in legal proceedings. I have been a Team Manager, an Ofsted registered manager for Fostering, and more recently, a joint PCT/Social Care Manager. So, the Head of Service Social Care Operations seemed like the ideal next step.
In my current role, you’ll find me managing Devon’s social care operations. This means overseeing the skilled and dedicated teams who deliver a range of care services, from referral and assessments through to Fostering, Adoption and Residential care. It can be quite a balancing act, answering the complex needs of children and young people, while adhering to budgets. But it’s truly worth it. To see real success stories in action, especially when young people are involved, is something quite special.
My vision, and the Council’s as a whole, is to see greater integration with health, education and social care staff. Staff and carers must feel supported in their roles, so they can provide nothing but the highest quality services. I also want to ensure families have all the support they need early on, so we reduce the need for statutory intervention.