About

Jacqui Graham :- Operations Director Lead Children's Social  Care consultant.

My name is Jacqui Graham & I am lucky enough to have been a part of many Young Peoples lives, having worked in residential childcare for over 30 years both in children's homes and ESBD schools & been a Registered Manager from 2002 until 2013. 

I have worked for Cumbria County Council, Lancashire County Council and independent providers within the North West during that time. Jacqui has undertaken Regulation 33 and Regulation 44 visits since 2013 and has extensive knowledge of the children’s residential services sector. 

 My core belief is that in order for the young people we care for to achieve their full potential, they must live in an environment that respects their individuality and diversity, offers them positive life experiences and enables them to develop positive relationships with adults. I have strong beliefs that a home should be child-centered in its approach to the way they work, and that for young people to grow physically, emotionally and spiritually they need to have positive role models, who are able to protect them, guide them and plan for their futures.  

 I believe children need to be in an environment that respects their individuality and diversity, offers them positive life experiences and enables them to develop positive relationships with adults and peers. 

David Graham:- Operations Director, SEND, Lead Education Consultant, Inclusion, Trainer Children's Social Care.

My name is David Graham and I have joined Grahams Consultants having recently been Head of the Special Needs and Disability (SEND) Service for Lancashire County Council where I worked for twenty years within a 300 + multi-agency team of CWD Social Workers, Educational Psychologists, Specialist Teachers, SEND Assessment Officers and Business Support. Prior to that I worked in day and residential specialist and mainstream schools for primary and secondary aged pupils for Independent Providers and Leeds and Surrey local authorities and also as part of a multi-discipline outreach team.

I have experience of managing service delivery and continuous improvement set against regulatory inspection frameworks and key performance indicators.

I am an experienced children's services and education manager working at a senior level and managing the procurement and delivery of multi-million pound projects and services.

That said I am always child and young person focused and my work within the public sector and private providers has always been lead by improving the outcomes for children and young people. I have had the privilege of working with inspirational parents, children and young people and professionals across health, children's social care, educational psychology and education for over forty years and my determination to see young people achieve their full potential and lead happy and resilient lives continues to be a key driving force in the work that I do.

Tracy Brookes:- Operations Manager , Senior Children's Social  Care consultant and Regulation 44 visitor

My name is Tracy Brookes and I live in Kendal, Cumbria. I have a young family and dog and we enjoy getting out in the Lakes whenever we can.  

My background is in residential child care and I have significant experience working in private settings supporting young people with emotional, social and behavioural difficulties.  

Most recently I have led and managed a specialist residential education provision for young people with a diagnosis of ASD and associated complex needs including Mental Health.  

I am an experienced Registered Manager with a proven track record of achieving 'outstanding' outcomes.  I am passionate about raising standards of care and outcomes for young people and am a staunch advocate for residential support staff who can have such a profound impact on the lives of young people.

Graham Steele– Education Consultant. Head Teacher

Experienced secondary headteacher across a wide range, type and size of schools within the maintained and independent sectors; including large mainstream secondary schools and residential special schools.

Specialising in school improvement, leading schools out of Ofsted categories and recovering schools facing challenging circumstances.

I have successfully led two mainstream secondary schools out of Ofsted categories; led the recovery of an underachieving 11-18 science college and two other 11-18 academies from serious risk of being placed in an Ofsted category; and I have led the recovery of three independent residential special schools at risk of slipping to inadequate or being placed in an Ofsted category – securing a ‘good overall’ Ofsted inspection judgement and improving safeguarding from inadequate to good, as consultant headteacher, in conjunction with the newly appointed head of school, I a secured a 'good' Ofsted Inspection judgement across all measures at a residential special school.

I have project managed, raised £250K+ and launched, on time and within budget, the UK’s second only ‘out of school’ learning centre on behalf of the local authority, business leaders and colleague head teachers. This was a forerunner to national 14-19 reforms. 

In an interim strategic 14-19 Adviser role, I provided support and challenge to three ‘travel to learn’ in the implementation of government 14-19 reforms and wrote a Quality Assurance and Improvement Framework for collaborative provision.

I have also project managed the launch of a separate new residential special academy.

As a Consultant Headteacher, I have supported new headteachers at a residential special schools.

Andrew Sofield:- Regulation 44 visitor, Advocate, and Senior Children's Social  Care consultant. Social Worker

My Name is Andrew Sofield I have 23 years management experience within Lancashire County Council which includes 12 years at a senior level as an Area Manager, Head of Fieldwork, Head of Children's Integrated Services for Lancaster, Fylde and Wyre with Assistant Director responsibilities, Senior Manager for Central Lancashire for Children's Social Care and as Senior Manager for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities for South Lancashire. Whilst roles and responsibilities have changed in each of these posts, they have all afforded opportunities to work strategically and operationally within an ever changing structural and professional environment. 

I have been responsible for commissioning and directly providing services including all care services via fostering, adoption and residential care as well as youth offending services. I have been able to rely on my core training as a social worker, experience of working with children looked after within residential and foster placements and management skills to ensure the best possible outcomes for children. I am specifically experienced and knowledgeable in respect of commissioned and directly provided services to children in need, children looked after, child protection services and social care assessment. 

I make sure that I am reliable and sensitive to the issues before I respond in order to ensure that the information is relevant and appropriate.  I approach external partnership in the same way and as a result have led on many multi-agency groups including the Children and Young Peoples Trust in North Lancashire and the Local Safeguarding Group in Central Lancashire.

I am now looking forward to develop the services I offer in respect of Regulation 44 visits, children’s services consultancy and support for disciplinary investigations and safeguarding review.

Sarah Roskell:- Bridging the GAP (Grahams Advocate Project) Missing from Home Co-ordinator and Young persons advocate.

My name is Sarah Roskell and I enjoy my role working with Children & young people, as in my time spent with Young people as an advocate & MFC Interviewer. I feel I have made a difference for some of the Young people through believing in them and encouraging them to go above and beyond their ability to achieve. I help them to be heard and have a voice; we also have the opportunity to explore other options to running away. 

I started working with Children & Young people as I felt I could make a difference in young people’s lives by supporting them to achieve and enable them to have a better outcome in life and succeed in adulthood.

I believe that every child has a right be heard, to feel safe and secure and live in an environment where they can reach their potential in every aspect of their life through positive life experiences, and provide activities to help them grow socially emotionally and physically.

Sue Harrington :- Senior Children's Social  Care consultant, Regulation 44 visitor and Quality assurance administrator. 

Hi, my name is Sue Harrington, I am originally from Morecambe, although now live in Heysham, I enjoy a healthy lifestyle, keeping fit, regularly attend the gym, yoga and walking our 2 dogs. 

I have worked in children’s residential social care since 2013 having worked as the Care worker, Deputy Manager and Registered Manager I have managed large bedded and a solo occupancy homes. 

During this time I have also dual registered to manage more than one home within the company. I have supported staff and management to meet the needs of the Ofsted action plans. 

I have worked with challenging and vulnerable young people since 2001, having worked on various government funded contracts during my employment with the Connexions Service, I have a genuine passion and commitment to support young people through transition, barriers and help them develop skills to gain resilience and coping strategies.  

I have experience and knowledge of supporting staff to develop and have a proactive approach in my work, very much working together to achieve the best outcomes and focusing on solutions to meet the needs of the young people. 

Dave Higgins:- Senior Children's Social  Care consultant, Trainer and Regulation 44 visitor.

Hi, I'm Dave Higgins and having retired from 22 years service in the Royal Air Force as a physical training instructor/ outdoor activity instructor, I began my second career working within the care industry some 17 years ago. 

Working my up from support worker to senior support worker positions, and eventually Deputy and Registered Manager positions within a variety of care settings. 

Working within EDB residential homes and schools / Children’s special needs and complex care settings /Adult Special needs Services & elderly care. 

Having a passion for providing the best care and outcomes for all, and treating every individual with respect and humility, whilst remaining focused on individual needs. 

I have a passion for most sports, and now unable to play rugby any longer; I am happy standing on touch lines through sun and rain. A happily married man with 6 children including identical quadruplet daughters, I also enjoy the quiet times for quiet reflection.

Kelly Harris– Safeguarding Lead Trainer and Children’s Social Care Consultant

Hi my name is Kelly, I am a safeguarding Trainer/Practitioner specialised in delivering one to one and group interventions, supporting vulnerable children, and victims and survivors of abuse. I am multi skilled in several areas such as Missing from Care/Home, Child Sexual Exploitation, Child Criminal Exploitation, County Lines and Domestic Abuse. My skills in safeguarding have been embedded from over 10- years’ experience in working directly with high risk vulnerable young people and families, as well as being responsible for managing large teams of highly skilled professionals and training partnership agencies such as Social Workers, Residential Care Providers, Police and Health Practitioners.  My work varies from direct support with young people such as return interview, wellbeing support, CSE/CE Awareness; to bespoke mentoring/ training/ workshops for professionals.

I have significant Senior Leadership experience and have been instrumental in overseeing and quality assuring Safeguarding practices and standards. I am a strong ambassador for the advocacy of young people to ensure that their voices are heard, and their needs met

Genni Spencer:- Children's Social  Care consultant and Regulation 44 visitor

My name is Genni Spencer, and I live in the South Lakes.  I have over 20 years’ experience in the residential childcare sector in learning support, safeguarding, welfare and Registered Manager roles within large residential schools/children’s homes.  I have a sound knowledge of regulatory bodies, legislation, frameworks, and standards to be able to support provisions to meet requirements alongside nurturing development overall.  My focus is providing support and advice to help develop both individuals, and teams, to be able to deliver outstanding care for children and young people.

I am a qualified, experienced assessor/IQA in the Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare and Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management.  Managing approved centres within the awarding body requirements with a team to deliver quality programmes of learning.  Rescue from ligature ‘Train the Trainer’ qualified and experienced in course delivery alongside safeguarding, bullying awareness, CEOP, key work, and signposting resources.

My husband and I are ASC (Approved Support) foster carers providing respite for children and young people when their foster families need help.

Amy Maycock (Hanna)– Children’s Social Care Consultant and Regulation 44 visitor 

Hello, my name is Amy and I have over 10 years experience working in residential social care, working my way up to registered manager level. I have been privileged to support young people with a variety of needs, including social, emotional and mental health and ASD and learning needs.

In my role as manager, I supported many homes in time of need so have a varied skill set and am able to use my knowledge and skills to support the development of others.  My passion is to ensure better outcomes for young people and that they are safeguarded from harm.

My biggest beliefs are connection before correction and I am a big advocate for therapeutic practice and the use of PACE in trauma informed practice.

I have three boys who keep me on my toes and a therapy dog called Milo.

Michael Shepherd– Bridging the GAP (Grahams Advocate Project) Missing from Home and Young persons advocate.

I am Michael Shepherd and have been involved in the care industry for 20 years, working as a care worker, a senior in a home for young adults with ASD, in a supported living setting. I am currently working in an SEN school near Preston and have all set to study to become a teacher for learners with additional needs and I am excited for my newest role as an advocate for young people.

I love to spend time with my daughter and my partner and I play in 2 bands in my local town of Morecambe, one as a drummer and one as a guitarist/singer.  

Tracey Dowen– Children’s Social Care Consultant and Regulation 44 visitor 

Hi my name is Tracey Dowen and I am from Derbyshire.   I have 2 grown up sons and 2 grandchildren (and a cat!) and enjoy spending time with them when I am not working.  I also enjoy going to the gym, reading and yoga.

I have worked in both childrens and adult residential care for the last 22 years.  I began work in a 20 bed secure children's home, working with challenging and vulnerable young people.  During my time there I worked my way up from a receptionist to a manager supporting staff and managers through Ofsted and Local Authority Inspections as well as Inspections by the Youth Justice Board.  I also worked in a residential EBD children's home in Enfield where I was Registered Manager.

For the last 2 years I have worked as a CQC Registered Manager for a 17 bed residential home for adults with mental health illness.  This was a very different field for me, but one I have enjoyed.

I believe that young people in a care environment deserve the same opportunities and support as our own childrens.  My experience and knowledge lies in supporting staff to enable them to achieve positive outcomes for young people within residential services.  

Joanne Booth– Children’s Social Care Consultant and Regulation 44 visitor -Social Worker

Hi my name is Joanne and I live in Cheshire with my family. I have worked with Children and Young people for ten years. Initially I worked in residential care and then I moved onto working within a Local Authority as a social worker within a Children in Care team for the last seven years. I am passionate about working with children and young people and my work is always child focused and led by the child to improve outcomes for children.

I am currently working within a Fostering Team supporting children and young people to remain within their extended family. The wishes and feelings of the children and young people are paramount and I am working with families to ensure the children are being provided with the level of care that promotes their well being within a safe and secure home environment.

I am looking forward to working within residential care again and promoting the well being of children within this setting. I am committed to supporting children to reach their full potential and supporting residential care and providers to achieve positive outcomes. 

In my spare time I like to spend time with my family going camping, going out for family days out and going out for walks.

Carmen Nosegbe: Children's Social Care consultant. 

Hi, my name is Carmen Nosegbe, I am originally from Romania, although now I live in Leeds. I enjoy spending time with my family and friends and I like to travel. In my spare time I am a community interpreter for the local authority and I chair Youth Offending Referral Panels.

I have worked with children since 2011. Initially I worked in a primary school and since 2014 I started my journey working in children's residential homes. I started as a care practitioner and worked my way up to being a registered manager, senior registered manager and ultimately a peripatetic manager across Yorkshire. I have vast experience in conducting audits, investigations and supporting children's homes that are in compliance. and during my years as a registered manager I conducted Regulation 44 visits within the company and I gained a reputation of having a fine eye for detail. Part of my senior management role was to support other managers and their staff, mentoring and guiding them, ensuring best quality care for the young people in their care.

My role has also been to advocate for the young people, ensuring their voice is being heard and their wishes are being acted upon. I have conducted return home interviews, offering the young people a different vision and options in regards with their missing from home, as well keeping the young people informed about the risks they are exposing themselves to. I have advocated for young people when local authority have wanted to change their placement ensuring their voices and concerns were heard and followed up. I am proud that I have helped young people to change their life for the better and to achieve their goals and potentials.

Dean John Smith– Children’s Social Care Consultant and Regulation 44 visitor.

Hi, I’m Dean and I live in Staffordshire. I have over 24 years experience working in the social care sector, having worked with both children’s and adults, predominantly in residential care settings. I have spent a lot of that time working with individuals with a learning disability so have an understanding of complex care, autism, ADHD and other associated conditions. 

Most recently I was a senior Registered Manager and supported my region in overseeing EBD children’s services when required, setting up new homes and completing compliance audits. I have a keen interest in supporting managers to raise standards in their homes and for the benefits of this to be staff teams who can then develop and grow as well as young people to experience better quality of care and achieve their aspirations and be confident in the homes that they live in. 

In my free time I love music, reading, keep fit and socialising with friends.

Karen Emery – Children’s Social Care Consultant and Regulation 44 visitor.

Hi, my name is Karen.  I have over 20 years experience working with children and young people, and for the last 7 years have been completing independent Regulation 44 visits across the UK.

I have worked in various residential children's homes and school settings, both private and Local Authority owned, and worked from a support worker through to being part of the management team.

Part of my role has been to ensure all daily, weekly & monthly checks are completed ensuring requirements for Ofsted were met, including my own regulation 34 (Now 45) & Regulation 33 (now 44) for other members of the management team.

I have been responsible for staff supervision, care planning, report writing, behaviour management and putting together programmes to support individuals behaviour modification in order to live a socially acceptable life.

I am also a qualified drug and alcohol worker and spent 8 years setting up community projects and working as a 1-1 counsellor.

Julie Barnes– Regulation 44 visitor & Children's Social care consultant.

My name is Julie Barnes and I am a values-driven professional with over 30 years’ experience in both Mainstream Education and Specialist Education and Care Services.

Following a very successful career in mainstream secondary schools in challenging inner city areas in which I was a Senior Leader with a track record of sustained school improvement, I moved into the Specialist Education and Care Sector.

I now have over 13 years experience in this sector, most recently as Deputy Chief Executive - Operations for a charitable group with a large turnover, providing education and care services for children and adults with SEND, particularly learning disabilities and autism.

My role has included being the Responsible Individual for the group’s children’s homes and more broadly has been to lead and manage all aspects of the group’s care and education services including quality assurance and regulatory compliance.

 I have led on the development of a number of new services including developing feasibility studies, project planning, stakeholder engagement and the registration of Ofsted and CQC regulated independent specialist education services, children's homes and supported tenancies. 

I am resilient, resourceful and extremely hard working and will not settle for second best. My motivation has always been to ensure that children and young people are given opportunities to thrive and reach their potential by ensuring they have the best quality provision delivered by people who are passionate and dedicated to delivering person centred support and valuing the individual, showing them unconditional positive regard.

Ian Sharpe– Regulation 44 visitor & Children's Social care consultant.

Hello, my name is Ian Sharpe. I live in the South Lakes area with my family and two very exciteable cocker spaniels. As a family we enjoy holidaying in Cornwall and I also enjoy skiing and watching football.

I have worked with children and young people since 2009. I have supported young people with emotional and behavoural difficulties and most recently young people with ASD and complex needs. I have experience in small children's homes, as well as larger specialist residential schools also registered as children's homes.

I have been able to develop my own skills and knowledge by working my way up from residential support worker to positions of Deputy Manager and Registered Manager and have been part of the management of teams who have been able to achieve outstanding outcomes for young people.

I am passionate about supporting residential provisions to be the best they can be, providing homes for young people that aren't institutional and which allow for progress and development towards individual needs and outcomes. through relationships, environment, opportunities and togetherness.

Chantelle Bevan– Regulation 44 visitor & Children's Social care consultant.

Hi I’m Chantelle, I have worked within the health and social care field for 14 years; I have held many front line roles including working in local authority youth services, children’s residential roles inclusive of specialised homes working with complex diagnosis, substance misuse services, adult mental health and hostel services and working within children’s social care.

In recent years I moved into management roles, working to improve children’s homes and managing staff who deliver evidence-based interventions to families and young people in crisis.

I have a real passion for residential care; I believe in best practice, always! to

ensure as a sector, we strive to improve the outcomes, safety and opportunities for LAC young people. My focus as a residential manager and, in any capacity working with young people is to ensure I and my staff team are building meaningful relationships that make a change in the lives of young people for the better.

When I’m not working, I enjoy spending time with my family, we love visiting Cornwall and spending time outdoors together. 

Sanita Marshalleck– Regulation 44 visitor & Children's Social care consultant.

Hi my name is Sanita I have worked in children's secure training centres and residential care homes for over 10 years. Within these years I have worked as a support worker and I have had continued my development up to a Regional Operations Manager. The last 10 years have been amazing and my passion to continue working with children to make a change is what makes me want to share my knowledge and expertise that has been gained. 

Along my journey I have gained great qualifications such as Level 3 in Children and Young People, Level 5 in Leadership and Management, Safeguarding and CSE Trainer, QCF level 3 Assessor and many more. I pride myself in having high standards of care for children that we look after together helping and supporting them to identify their strengths and talents. When I am not working, I spend my time with my 7-year-old daughter who keeps me very busy by always voicing her feelings and wishes which makes everyday fun.

Claire Peate– Regulation 44 visitor & Children's Social care consultant.

Hello, my name is Claire Peate and I live in Shropshire with my family. My husband and I are foster carers for our Local Authority, we currently have two children living with us and also provide respite care to other carers. I have been working with children and young people for over 23 years across residential childcare settings. I have worked my way up from being a Residential Childcare Worker to being a Registered Manager, to which I have undertaken the role of being a Registered Manager for the last 19 years.

I have been privileged to support young people with a variety of needs and range of backgrounds. These have included young people who have experienced and demonstrated a range of social, emotional, mental health difficulties, harmful sexualised behaviour, challenging behaviour, ASD, learning needs and young people who have presented as extremely vulnerable.

I am resilient, resourceful and extremely hard working and will not settle for second best. My motivation has been to ensure that the young people I have provided care and support to have had opportunities to thrive and reach their potential. This has been by ensuring they have the best quality care, delivered by a team that are passionate and dedicated to delivering the support the young people require.

Throughout my roles I have gained skills and experience in many different situations and utilise current legislation, regulations and guidance in order to ensure practice is safe and to the highest standard.
In my spare time I like to spend time with my family going camping, going for family days out and going out for walks with my two dogs.

Josella Foulds– Regulation 44 visitor & Children's Social care consultant. 

Hi I am Josella Foulds (Jo) , but I am happy for you to call me Jo. I have 20 years’ experience working in residential social care, were I worked my way up to being a Deputy manager and Manager.

I supported young people who experienced a variety of additional needs to live life to the full and have fun. My most recent home is an Outstanding provision for a group of young people to have supported sleep overs, I have the passion, skills, support and experience to ensure that each young person has the best life experiences as possible.

I have been a PROACT SCIP instructor for many years, I also have a master’s in counselling and psychotherapy, which blended together to provide a proactive person-centred approach which is paramount for each young person.

I have several Fur baby’s Dezmond and Tilly the horse’s and Sophie the cat.

Kelly Gliszczynki– Regulation 44 visitor & Children's Social care consultant. 

My name is Kelly, and I have spent around 20 years in the social care sector.

Beginning as a support worker and working my way up to regional manager, I have experience managing services for children and young adults with various needs such as learning difficulties, autism, emotional and behavioral difficulties, and several health needs. One of my biggest passions is promoting equality and diversity to ensure that vulnerable individuals have access to the care and support they need.

Over the years, I have gained several qualifications and have achieved 5 NVQ's so far, from level 2 to level 5, with ongoing studies for my Masters in Global Health Management.

Alongside my career, I am part of a small team running a charity rescuing abandoned babies in Kenya since 2007. Together, we have successfully found permanent families for almost 400 babies through the Kenyan fostering system. My regular visits to Kenya ensure that our team receives the continued support necessary to continue this meaningful work. Our charity has a big vision for the future, and we hope to rescue many more babies over the coming years.

Amanda Kennedy– Regulation 44 visitor & Children's Social care consultant. 

Hello, I am Amanda and I live in North Wales with my partner and two dogs, Elvis and Cher. I’ve had the privilege of working in health and social care for over 20 years. I grew up in a family supporting a relative with a learning disability and from this I knew caring for others was the career for me. I have worked in children’s and adult’s residential homes and progressed to managing multiple locations. I have experience in leading homes supporting children and young adults with Autistic Spectrum Condition, Learning Disabilities, forensic needs, EBD needs and complex trauma needs.

 I have achieved a Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management in Health and Social Care in Children’s and Young People’s Services and a BSc with Honours in Behaviour Analysis and Interventions.

I have a special interest in Positive Behaviour Support focussing of quality of life and Organisational Behaviour Management focusing on continuous improvement. I am a keen advocate of person- centred planning and believe the person should be at the heart of everything we do.

I have extensive experience in quality improvement and developing services to achieve positive outcomes and exceed compliance requirements in CQC, CIW and Ofsted regulated homes. I have actively participated in tender processes and developed and opened new services.

Delores Croasdell– Regulation 44 visitor & Children's Social care consultant. 

My name is Delores, and I have worked within socical care settings for over 16 years. I have worked as Registered Manager and homes manager of children’s residential homes, both in the private sector and the local authority. I have also worked as a Regulation 44 independent visitor developing good communication skills in order to be a ‘critical friend’, which sometimes meant having to challenge practice and report on practice which needed improving.

In my current role as Responsible Individual, I supervise the management team and ensure the regulations are followed and manage all safeguarding. I support the managers with their Ofsted inspections and monitor the homes from an overarching perspective with an objective view. I therefore have a sound knowledge of safeguarding as well as the Children's Home’s Regulations and more recently the Supported Accommodation regulations. I have worked with the LADO and understand the risks for children looked after including those living in supported accommodation.

I have practiced supervision for many years now and also receive my own supervision. I am qualified to Level 5 in practicing clinical supervision and I am also registered with the BACP as a counsellor and have training in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing).

Felix Morris– Regulation 44 visitor & Children's Social care consultant.

I have recently retired after 14 years being an Independent Reviewing Officer and Child Protection Conference Chair; I have been directly involved in social care for over 30 years, working in residential care, training, fostering and front-line social work.

I have a relaxed approach with good people skills and can confidently develop a positive rapport with children, young people and professionals. My varied roles over the years have given wide insight into the demands and rewards of social care; I have acted as an advocate for young people on many occasions.

I am confident in assessing information and presenting a balanced view, identifying areas of strength and where practice could be improved.

I am also care experienced and this valuable insight has helped me many times to empathise and understand the perspectives of children and young people living outside their families.

Samantha Walsh– Regulation 44 visitor & Children's Social care consultant.

My name is Samantha Walsh & I  live in Manchester. I have over 20 years experience of working with children and young people in residential and have worked my way up from a support worker to manager. I have had managerial experience for around the past 8 years. I have worked in large residential homes for up to 6 young people with Ofsted inspection ranging from good to Outstanding, to smaller residential settings with around 3 young people.

I have my level 3 in Children and young people in residential care as well as my level 5 in leadership and management of residential care, and I am committed to improving the lives of the young people that come into the care sector.

I have also had experience of working with adults with disabilities in a supported living accommodation, therefore having been a registered manager under CQC.

I have a 1 year old Springerpoo called Bailey who I adore and has fitted into our family well. My children are older now and following thier carer paths, so me and my husband are starting to travel and see different parts of the world.

Ryan Lymer– Regulation 44 visitor & Children's Social care consultant.

My name is Ryan, an I have worked as a manager and team leader in residential care, outreach support and consultancy for the past 14 years.

 I have worked with providers from the outset, setting up new services through to ensuring the services are delivering the best care and achieving best outcomes for young people. 

I have a keen interest in the systems and processe that ensure good practice is encouraged and recorded and the upskilling of staff teams to implement effective high-quality care and support to children and young people.

Suna Begum– Regulation 44 visitor & Children's Social care consultant.

Hi, my name is Suna Begum and I live in West Yorkshire.

Jolylon Staines (Joe)– Regulation 44 visitor & Children's Social care consultant.

Hi, I'm Joe and I live in Norfolk with my partner Vicky and our two dogs. I have over 25 years experience working in the children's social care sector, having worked within residential care settings and as a regulator for Ofsted and CQC. I have also spent several years working within the quality assurance and safeguarding team for a local authority where I delivered training to field Social workers in subjects including undertaking safeguarding enquiries, securing the voice of the child, recording and c supporting children who are looked after out of area and within the council.

I have experience of working as part of a turnaround team, supporting children homes that were experiencing regulatory complianceissues and putting plans in place to improve standards.

I have a keen interest in supporting managers to raise standards in their homes and for the benefits of this to be staff teams who can then develop and grow as well as young people to experience better quality of care and achieve their aspirations and be ° confident in the homes that they live in.

I am also a Spurs season ticket holder and enjoy going to games with my brother. Other interests incude cooking, going to see live music, travel and spending time with family and friends (and dogs).

In my free time I love music, reading, keep fit and socialising with friends.

Laura Brown – Quality Assurance Office Manager 

Hello, I'm Laura and I joined Grahams Consultants in late 2021 as Office Manager and to provide support to the Regulation 44 Quality Assurance Team.

I have spent the majority of my career working within Human Resources and Performance Improvement.  Most recently my roles have focused on identifying improvement opportunities, simplifying processes and providing support on a varied and wide range of business activities.

Outside of work, I have a young daughter who keeps me extremely busy.  In my spare time I enjoy baking and going on family days out.

Clare Scroggy - Quality Assurance administrator

Hi I’m Clare 

I'm a Mum of 2 daughters aged 20 and 11 

My youngest has Cri du Chat syndrome and has lots of additional needs and I am her main carer.

I’ve worked in offices and administration since being 17 years old and as a team manager for the last 18 years. 

I am now working in Graham’s consultants in the office at Morecambe as a Quality assurance administrator where my main role is to quality assure and forward completed Regulation 44 reports by the consultants to Ofsted.

In my spare time I love to go outdoors with my fiancé on the paddle boards and canoe and we often go away in our camper van for little trips away.

We also love a good festival and have been to many over the years.

Michelle Cookson - Quality Assurance administrator

Hi, I’m Michelle and i'm a Mum to 3 children.

I have a little girl who's 2 and two boys aged 10 and 5. 

My youngest son has additional needs so I am also his main carer.

I studied advertising and marketing at university and, throughout my education I always worked in customer services/sales. After the birth of my first son, I went full time and started a new role as a Regional Sales Account Manager.

When my maternity leave ended in spring 2022, I had to put my family first and a change of career was needed...fast forward 6 months and I'm now happily working for Graham’s consultants as a Quality assurance administrator.

Out of work, Im mainly a taxi service for my little people but in my spare time I'm trying to renovate my first house that I have just recently bought and, when we get the chance to, we love to spend our weekends going away in our caravan and kayaking in the lakes.

Amanda Hannah- Quality Assurance administrator

Hi I’m Amanda, I work in the office in Morecambe doing Quality Assurance. I am a mum to 2 very fun challenging boys that keep me very busy when not at work. 

My background is in Administration, Compliance and Systems Implementation. 

In my spare time I love cooking, crafts and attempting to renovate furniture and would love to get into up cycling more.

Jain Parker - Quality Assurance administrator

Hi I’m Jain, I work  with the Admin team in the Morecambe office one day a week doing Quality Assurance.

In my spare time I enjoy Walking, Cooking, Gardening, Holidays in the sunshine.

I love all things nature and animals, I have a pet cat Lola who is spoiled.

Julie- Quality Assurance administrator

Hi, I'm Julie. I am a Mum of two teenage boys. Both my boys are very sporty so much of my spare time is spent at the side of a football pitch, on our bikes or on the top of a fell in the Lake District.

I work on the Regulation 44 Quality Assurance Team in the office in Morecambe.

Most of my career has been spent working as an Operations Manager in a large organisation covering all aspects of performance management, financial controls, operational excellence, process improvement, audit and compliance.

Jan- Quality Assurance administrator

Hi, I'm Jan,

Mum to three grown up girls and currently 3, soon to be 4 grandchildren.

I have lived in Spain for a couple of years and returned to the uk in May to spend more time with my growing family.

Previously worked in a secondary school as a teaching assistant and then a cover supervisor for a number of years

I joined the Team at Grahams Consultants in June in the admin team working two days a week which works well in my work/ life balance.  

John- Quality Assurance administrator  

Hi, I'm John

Dad of one son (Gabriel, 5), one borrowed son (Corey, 12) and one pug (Frank, 2).

My professional career has entailed mainly working in Insurance and Estate Agency and always has 'attention to detail' as a mantra.

I joined the team at Graham's Consultants in August to quality assure the Regulation 44 reports for our consultants prior to sending them to Ofsted.

In my free time I walk the dog and my son! I go to the gym (you wouldn't know to look at me). I also enjoy listening to audiobooks while wandering, building Lego and I have a prodigious collection of Top Trumps. The rest of my time is spent recovering from being the dad of a 5 year old.