The Nuffield Family Justice Observatory is a new organisation dedicated to improving outcomes for children by ensuring that data and research evidence inform decision-making in the Family Justice System.

The Art Room works in primary and secondary schools with children who have emotional and behavioural difficulties. The charity currently works in Oxfordshire, London and Edinburgh with over 540 children per week. I was recruited to lead a new phase in the development of the charity and succesfully secured a merger with Place2Be in order to provide a route to more sustainable growth. Now overseeing the integration of The Art Room into Place2Be.

Member of the Executive Board, responsible for redefining organisational strategy to 2021, influencing public policy and bringing an evidenced-based approach to all aspects of the charity’s work. Led strategic review covering all aspects of £120m annual expenditure and 2000 staff across 42 sites, resulting in re-focus of organisation around five strategic goals. Transformed policy function and secured support for victims of abuse and strengthened measures to keep children safe online. Responsible for £2.2m annual investment in research including partnerships with several universities. Pioneered sector-leading approach to gathering UK-wide data about child protection, now widely used by stakeholders.

Led the UK’s leading public policy thinktank in a pioneering job-share role. Expanded its work into over 25 countries, building strategic research partnerships with organisations in the developing and developed worlds. Successfully managed phased transition in anticipation of changing economic and political circumstances, maintaining reserves and annual balanced budget. Raised £3m each year. Transformed IPPR’s regional base in the north of England (IPPR North). Won Prospect Magazine’s Thinktank of the Year 2007. Won Green Thinktank of the Year 2009. 50+ staff across multiple sites.

Advisor on early years/childcare and child poverty to HM Treasury, Department of Work and Pensions, Department for Education. Undertook research / policy advice for Social Exclusion Unit, Equal Opportunities Commission, Charity Commission, Shelter, Oxfam and others.