I was employed on a contract with CARE to provide political insight and analysis on prospective legislation that the NI Assembly might consider in the current mandate.This work included:Examining prospective Bills and drafting amendments for them.Considering political voting patterns for prospective Bills.Identifying key stakeholders to prospective legislation.Producing detailed reports on 7 possible Executive and/or Private Members Bills.

My position as a Special Advisor (SpAd) is to directly support and advise the Minister of Education. This role is extremely challenging, rewarding and varied. Some of the key functions are:Scrutinising policy proposals made by officials from within the Department and reviewing these for the Minister Examining and making recommendations on Departmental funding bids to the ExecutiveCollegiate engagement at senior levels within the Northern Ireland ExecutiveWorking directly with print and broadcast correspondents to represent the views of the MinisterHelping focus Departmental and legislative priorities in line with the Ministers wishes. Scrutinising and giving policy advice to the Minister on all correspondence before it leaves Private Office.Stakeholder engagement as directed by the Minister.

I was appointed to the Board of the Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) in 2015 as a Non-Exec and worked alongside colleagues in ensuring proper governance of the organisation. A key aspect of the role was the ability to work collegiately on sensitive or controversial issues with complete confidentiality. I was part of recruitment exercises for senior roles and provided oversight and direction in budget management. I also contributed, alongside colleagues, in developing our strategic plan and the reorganisation of NIFRS.

I represented the Democratic Unionist Party on ANDBC from 2011 and was Mayor in 2013-14. I assisted constituents on a range of issues and also worked collegiately senior Council Staff resolving problems and setting policy direction for our Council. I brought through Council a range of policy initiatives on issues such as 'legal highs', a play strategy and an initiative to honour veterans of World War 2. My key focus whilst I was Mayor was on tackling Educational Underachievement.

I lectured within Belfast Business School delivering HND modules for the college. My teaching mainly focused on the the areas of Business Strategy, Management and Operations, the Business Environment and a professional programme on Leadership. I also delivered programmes on Developing Individuals within organisations and Tapping into International Markets.