I first qualified as a social worker in 1993 after working in children’s homes in London. Since then, I have managed fostering, residential and safeguarding services in the local authority, voluntary and private sectors, publishing a couple of books on the inspection frameworks for fostering and adoption along the way.

I am very committed to supporting the positive role fostering can play in young people’s lives, having seen just how remarkable our foster children can be with the right support, stability and encouragement. I have a particular interest in attachment theory, finding this a really useful way of helping to provide the sense of belonging and permanence that our children need and deserve.