Avril

Fully committed to improving safeguarding practice for children and adults at risk.

Avril has over 30 years experience as a senior professional in the fields of Education and Training, Health and Social Care, the Voluntary and Community Sector.  Avril has been involved in producing national briefings for Independent Advisory Groups and the Local Government Association and many other national bodies.  She has supported organisations to implement self-assessment tools, needs assessment and policies and procedures.  She also conducts research for local authorities, voluntary organisations, higher education, private companies and other organisations.  She holds a Doctorate in quality in education and learning. 

For over 3 years, Avril held a national inter-departmental role for both the Department of Health and Department of Education, reporting directly to Government Ministers and senior civil servants. Avril led a National Support Team visiting Primary Care Trusts and Local Authorities to diagnose issues and provide expert advice for improvement to Chief Executives, Service Directors and Directors of Public Health.  

As Operational Manager, Avril successfully managed Quarriers Children’s Charity in the North West for young people affected by domestic abuse, behaviour seen as challenging and sexualised behaviour. She has also developed a new Specialist Fostering Service for a large authority.

Previously the Head of Service for Schools and Greater Merseyside Connexions Partnership Head of Education and Voluntary and Community Engagement. She was instrumental in the successful management of change through integration of services, joint commissioning, partnership working, restructure of one of the largest service areas, Looked After Children reforms, peer involvement, young people’s sexual health and teenage pregnancy.  

Avril completed a renovation of a traditional haus in Austria. She is also a qualified yoga teacher, enjoys running, skiing, pilates and more recently taking part in triathlons.