The UK Kung Fu School was founded by myself and teaches a system of kung fu based on internal and external arts. The School teaches a dynamic kung fu style that incorporates concepts and principles of fighting and self defence. Given this approach, regardless of age, gender and strength, the School philosophy is a creative style that works to strengthen your attributes and, whilst recognising your limitations, work to improve them. The style, at its simplest level of self… Show more The UK Kung Fu School was founded by myself and teaches a system of kung fu based on internal and external arts. The School teaches a dynamic kung fu style that incorporates concepts and principles of fighting and self defence. Given this approach, regardless of age, gender and strength, the School philosophy is a creative style that works to strengthen your attributes and, whilst recognising your limitations, work to improve them. The style, at its simplest level of self defence and fighting, uses a centre line approach. Therefore early lessons develop the skills of protecting your centre line (eyes, nose, throat, stomach and groin) and if appropriate using these targets to disable an attacker. Once a basic understanding of these principle are taught, the depth of the style is endless. We believe that the only limitation you have will be your imagination, and once you begin to become creative in your thinking as a martial artist, we become your facilitators. We wholly encourage dissecting the style so you can take what works efficiently and effectively for you so that you become and efficient and effective martial artist. We believe that this approach to a fighting style and one that develops you as an individual is close to the core of many ‘traditional’ martial arts, now often watered down and incorrectly taught. www.ukkungfu.com Show less

Working alongside the Regional Director, I am responsible for the strategic oversight and growth the fostering agencies within the Outcomes First Group in the South East.

I am the Registered Manager of Heath Farm Fostering. The role is varied and complex but one that requires an exceptional focus on meeting the needs of children in care to the highest level. This relies on a high degree of knowledge of primary and secondary childcare legislation, regulations and guidance. I am the lead Safeguarding Officer in the company which requires clear and precise thinking and leadership to ensure children remain safe. This includes being up to date with research… Show more I am the Registered Manager of Heath Farm Fostering. The role is varied and complex but one that requires an exceptional focus on meeting the needs of children in care to the highest level. This relies on a high degree of knowledge of primary and secondary childcare legislation, regulations and guidance. I am the lead Safeguarding Officer in the company which requires clear and precise thinking and leadership to ensure children remain safe. This includes being up to date with research on new challenges such as social media, radicalisation, unaccompanied minors, county lines and child exploitation.Heath Farm aims to provide a specific range of services to each and every child who is referred to us. Our matching process ensures that we consider all aspects of a child’s needs vigorously, so that we provide the right level of service. Our commitment to making a positive difference to a child’s life can be seen in the range of services made available and the high rate of placement stability achieved. We only recruit foster carers who are able to demonstrate a high level of motivation, care and skills. In turn, carers at Heath Farm are regarded as fellow professional and are therefore committed to develop their skills through learning opportunities, engagement in professional supervision and partnership working.Heath Farm offers an outstanding therapeutic service to children and young people as well as contact and mentors. Heath Farm runs the Mockingbird project for our carers. Mockingbird is an extended network of family support. It offers an alternative way of providing foster care and involves carers being part of a group with other foster carers. Show less

My role in the Fostering Network is to Chair the London region of Independent Fostering Agencies. This sees me oversee about 50 fostering agencies who are members of the Fostering Network as we meet quarterly to look at current industry trends and issues facing Agencies, staff, carers and Children. We have a particular focus on Ofsted, current legislation, research, practice and any other issue facing senior staff, Registered Managers, Directors and RI's. My work with the Agencies… Show more My role in the Fostering Network is to Chair the London region of Independent Fostering Agencies. This sees me oversee about 50 fostering agencies who are members of the Fostering Network as we meet quarterly to look at current industry trends and issues facing Agencies, staff, carers and Children. We have a particular focus on Ofsted, current legislation, research, practice and any other issue facing senior staff, Registered Managers, Directors and RI's. My work with the Agencies continues throughout the year offering advice via the Fostering Network. This essential role allows me to keep up to date with local and national trends. I am committed to change in the sector to ensure children and young people have the best outcomes. I am keen to promote collaborative working across the independent, third party and public sector. Further to this, I sit on the National Steering Group for Fostering Network which has a direct impact on practice throughout the UK. This sees direct discussion and consultation with the DFE and Ofsted to shape the Legal and the inspection Framework. A recent example of this work has been the role out of Delegated Authority through the UK where I Chaired the London and South East conference as well as the role out of the national Framework for Staying Put. Show less

As group Manager, I was responsible for the strategic overview of the company. I took the lead, alongside the Director, for the Senior Management Team ensuring the development of the staff and Foster Carers are at the highest levels so the needs of the children are fully met. This includes all areas of care planning, leaving care and education support for children. Ofsted rated Next Step Fostering as OUTSTANDING in October 2017 under my management.

Ryancare is a Fostering Agency in East London. Ryancare is owned by Next Step Fostering and I have sat on the SMT since 2010

In 2008, I joined Greenfinch Charitable Trust as the Operations Manager. The Trust was responsible for multi-disciplinary assessments including Psychologists, Psychiatrists and Social Workers. As Operations Manager my role was to collaboratively work with professionals across all sectors including CAFCASS and the Courts. I was responsible for ongoing contracts as well as commissioning for new opportunities, I held the Safeguarding lead, staff development and the strategic growth of the… Show more In 2008, I joined Greenfinch Charitable Trust as the Operations Manager. The Trust was responsible for multi-disciplinary assessments including Psychologists, Psychiatrists and Social Workers. As Operations Manager my role was to collaboratively work with professionals across all sectors including CAFCASS and the Courts. I was responsible for ongoing contracts as well as commissioning for new opportunities, I held the Safeguarding lead, staff development and the strategic growth of the organisation. Show less