I believe strongly in education. From early beginnings working in areas of extreme deprivation I witnessed the way that education opened doors for individuals and changed communities, and I was hooked on being part of that change. As a person-centred practitioner I enjoy working with individuals and groups to build capacity and confidence, working across boundaries to form creative learning communities. My educational background has enabled me to be agile with regard to working in different settings and with different groups – developing expertise in interdisciplinary working, creative educational approaches, service user engagement and public involvement. An experienced academic and educationalist I have worked strategically in HEIs and across the sector, including a national advisory role for Health. I am intellectually curious and solution-focused and enjoy connecting people together and sharing the energy and expertise of collaborative working. From engaging in informal education which begins with a conversation, to writing books and papers. I believe in sharing and amplifying knowledge and creativity, facilitating networks in order to make a positive real impact and learn through shared experience.Just two generations ago, both my grandmothers left school aged 12 to make their way in a difficult and demanding industrial world; their formal education ended before they even approached adulthood. My generation has had choices and experiences that they could only imagine. Education made the difference – it makes a difference still! Some things I do: • Educational leadership • Interdisciplinary education • Project/ Change management • Mentoring – Institutional and Leadership Foundation• Coaching – Post graduate qualification• Community engagement• Educator • Governor NHS Trust • University Board Member • Creative curriculum development • Qualitative research • Writing books and papers• Service user engagement • Mediation