VAWG Programme Manager at Mayor's Office for Policing and Crime

• Jun 2019 - Present

Developing programmes of work on Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) to achieve the delivery of the Mayor's Police & Crime Plan and refreshed VAWG strategy.- Prepare business cases and managed their implementation;- Provide leadership on development, implemenation and monitoring of policy areas and improvements; - Identifying & managing risks to implementation and innovating solutions; - conducting policy reviews, research projects and recommending improvements- Developed groundbreaking policy initiatives which have led to step change in commissioing approaches & endorsed by internal/external partners as good practice; - joint commissioner with NHS England & leading on options appraisal to deliver improved delivery models across London; - Liaising and managing a range of stakeholders within a complex and fast paced political environment;- responsible for contract/grant managment of £10.5million including programmes for marginalised and minoritised groups; including Mayor's emergency covid-19 response to domestic abuse & VAWG in the capital.

Senior Policy Advisor to London's Independent Victims Commissioner

• Jun 2018 - Jun 2019

Supporting London's first Victims Commissioner:- Responsible for researching and advising on policy options for the field of victims of crime;- Led on strategic priority setting and monitoring progress and reporting to the Mayor/London Assembly partners;- Worked closely with the GLA, Mayor’s Office, Mayoral Advisers and other colleagues to develop and ensure a co-ordinated and effective delivery of the Mayor’s strategy in relation to victims in London;- Advised on and managing communication routes between Victims Commissioner and key stakeholders including central Government, Police Chiefs, CPS and others on issues and policy development including key lobbying asks- Led on messaging and social mediaKey areas of work included:- London Rape Review;- Information Commissioners Office national investigation into Police Disclosure practices in rape cases;- Safe Reporting for migrant victims of Violence Against Women & Girls (VAWG);- Developing policy and insight from the groundbreaking Victims Code of Practice review;- Managing the Victims Reference Group to inform policy and strategy;- Victim's Board - broad range of senior stakeholders including; Met, HMCTS, Magistrates, NPS, CRC, Parole Board, Judiciary, CPS, MoJ - securing buy-in to joint action and improvement plan, monitoring outcomes and suppoting the Victims Commissioner to hold partners to account

DAHA(Domestic Abuse Housing Alliance) Business Development Manager

• Jun 2017 - Jun 2018

Responsible for implementing the business development plan for DAHA across London and driving forward ground-breaking national initiative to improve the housing response for victims and survivors of domestic abuse. Utilised strong partnership skills within a multi-agency, multi-disciplinary setting and knowledge of housing issues in relation to domestic abuse; and barriers around access to housing services;- Secured buy-in from 26 London boroughs within one year;- Contributed to policy which was featured in the Mayor's Housing and VAWG strategy;- Secured support from London Councils and Housing Directors;- Developed programme of national training tools with leading specialist organisations;- Invited to develop and deliver training for SafeLives charity and Victim Support charity;- Featured in national and regional media

Executive Board Member

• 2014 - Mar 2018

The Ubele Initiative aim to contribute to the sustainability of the African Diaspora community in the UK through intergenerational leadership development, dialogue and the design and implementation of innovative solutions to address some of our most pressing social, economic and political concerns.Board member - Policy researcher and advisor, http://www.ubele.org/assets/a-place-to-call-home-full-report.pdf

Domestic Abuse Project & Policy Lead

• 2014 - Jun 2017

Led award winning ‘No Homes for Domestic Abuse’ campaign and policy programme at one of the UK's largest national housing providers achieving:- case reporting increased by 300%;- 100% frontline staff trained & confident to identify & report DA;- embedded trauma informed, specialist therapeutic support for women;- First Housing Provider to achieve DAHA accreditation through self-assessment;- Developed & implemented targeted policy and training programmes for residents and staff;- Responsible for managing small specialist team to respond to standard to high risk DA cases;- Fed into the strategic goals for the organisation including setting new outcomes for the service;- Responsible for commissioning research and influencing key stakeholders.

Associate Consultant

• 2016 - Mar 2016

Associate Consultant providing bespoke solutions around Domestic Abuse including training, auditing, business development

Service user inclusion policy lead & Support group co-ordinator

• 2012 - 2014

- Frontline support to women and children fleeing domestic abuse; -outreach to women and families affected by domestic abuse, advocating on behalf of women and children, liaising with statutory agencies, housing, legal services; - Developed Service User groups to provide feedback to inform the service and policy, - Promoted the voice of survivors across London's largest boroughs and secured ongoing funding for multiple projects including survivor support groups and activities; - 81% Service User engagement rate from 0% in 6 months; – implemented updated policy based on Service User consultation - Delivered training to local police teams, GPs, solicitors- Raised awareness to ensure referral pathways were effective and accessible;- Implemented ‘joined up’ multi-agency approach to supporting women affected by or at risk of DA- Responsible for monitoring & analysing data across 22 wards, producing quarterly statistical reports – evaluating impact of interventions - Responsible for implementing safeguarding protocol across refuges and other accommodationKey acheivements:- Developed partnership with borough VAWG lead & commissioner – collaborated to secure funding for 3 projects through Safer London, MOPAC & Big Lottery;- Exceeded project targets by 429% secured funding for further 2 years;- Established first International Women’s Day & first Black History Month in collaboration with Safer Neighbourhood Board - secured support and finance from local police, Mayor & Councillors

Tackling Troubled Families Intervention Officer

• 2011 - 2012

Supported families with ‘complex needs’ including history of domestic abuse with children on Child Protection Plans. Supported parents to mitigate risk including risk management, safety planning, mentoring, developing action plans and ensuring families achieved agreed objectives with statutory agencies such as Social Services & Police.Key acheivement of 86% of children off CPP after 8 month intervention.

ESOL Teacher

• 2004 - 2009

- Working with women from migrant and refugee communities, teaching English as a Second Language. - Supporting women with VISA applications, advocating on their behalf with statutory agencies including police, border agency, Social Services;- Supporting women to engage with wider services in the UK and achieve British citizenship.- Responsible for reporting, bid writing and fundraising;- Achieved funding for & successfully piloted ‘PEACH’ course for ‘newly arrived’ young women which was still running upto 2017

Research Assistant

• 2002 - 2003

Graduate Research Assistant

• 2001 - 2002

Widening Participation Officer

• 2001 - 2002