ACTION - Key Persons
I have a background in Art further education and social care day centres. I have worked for The Action Group for over 21 years, initially starting as a support worker and progressing through management to my current post as Development Manager. I have an SVQ level 4 and am qualified and registered as manager for the West Lothian services. I am responsible for two of the Edinburgh HACCS teams as well as development and new growth across all of the West Lothian services, which includes both adults and children's work. I am part of the Health and Safety Committee within the Action Group and committed to ensuring we develop and maintain safe working practices across the organisation.
I had been given excellent advice by the Advice Services and at that time, joined The Action Group. I then turned up at an AGM when they were looking for new Board Members.
I am the Board link for Real Jobs, Administration and HR.
I joined the Board to try and help the work of The Action Group in developing services for people with learning disabilities.
I am the Board link for the Advice Services.
For some time I had wanted to do something to put back into the community and I felt joining The Action Group Board gave me the perfect opportunity to help people less fortunate than myself.
The Action Group has been a huge part of my life since I was very young. I have seen first-hand the good it can do and the help it can give families and vulnerable individuals. I joined the Board because I want to ensure that good work continues. I feel the experience I have gained in my working life in both politics, as a Senior Government Minister Advisor and Head of an MP's Constituency Office and Business, a Company Director, can help The Action Group not only maintain its excellent standing in the industry but develop it further.
I joined the Board because I saw how much The Action Group helped my daughter in encouraging her to successfully live independently, assist with employment prospects, assist her with benefits advice, and to live a full and safe life. I hope to help The Action Group service users and members to achieve their goals.
Job Titles:
- Head of Digital & Facilities
Despite my New York accent I have been in Edinburgh for over 40 years. I first came in 1974 to study special education and did a teaching practice at St Crispin's School, and at the Autistic Unit then based at the Royal Mile School. I followed the development of The Action Group closely never imagining how much they would expand and grow from strength to strength, nor did I imagine that my daughter, who was not even born then, would be an adult user of their services!
I bring to the Board my experience as a mum of a service user, alongside my professional experience as a special education teacher and registered social worker. Additionally I have a history of working in senior management positions in the voluntary sector and of being a Board member for the Edinburgh and East of Scotland Deaf Society (now Deaf Action) and the Scottish Throughcare Aftercare Forum. I hope that my experiences in executive management, service development and delivery, strategic planning, risk management and governance contribute to the ongoing success of The Action Group.
I am the board link to the CAATS Service.
Out-with the Board I am Director for the Fostering Network Scotland.
I have been involved for six years with a school for children with moderate to severe support needs and became Chair of the Parent Council. I saw at first hand the difficulties that all parents face even when they have good support in raising their children and preparing them for adult life. My own son has moderate learning difficulties and has been a user of the Transition Service that The Action Group provided in Falkirk. Now that he no longer attends school I wish to use my acquired knowledge and business experience to further the work of The Action Group. I am the Board link for Real Jobs in Falkirk and Learning & Development.
I am interested in education provision, furthering employment opportunities and developing the services that parents/carers need to support their loved ones with learning difficulties. I am currently experiencing the transition process of my son as he goes from school to adulthood.
As Senior Manager I have experiences in organisational development, sales and marketing and contract negotiation with government bodies, these all underpin how services are developed and delivered.
Outwith the Board: I am a parent/Carer having previously been a Senior Manager within the Pharmaceutical Industry, working for major multinational companies.
Other Information: I am a co-opted member of Carrongrange High School Parent Council with special interest in the development of a new school.
As Senior Manager I have experiences in organisational development, sales and marketing and contract negotiation with government bodies, these all underpin.