Award-winning International Safeguarding Consultant
Ann Marie is a highly experienced social work and safeguarding professional with nearly three decades of expertise in child protection, education safeguarding, and multi-agency leadership. Qualifying as a social worker in 1996, she began her career in children and families child protection teams before progressing into management in 2003.
From 1999 to 2003, Ann Marie served as a school-based social worker, collaborating closely with education welfare officers, behaviour specialists, and mentors as part of a government pilot programme to support vulnerable children and families. In 2003, she took on the pioneering role of
Team Manager of the Vulnerable Children Team, leading teachers supporting looked-after children (LAC), advising schools on safeguarding and child protection, and delivering training to school leaders and staff. Her role subsequently evolved to include positions as a Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) in Education, Safeguarding Adviser, Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) Local Authority Coordinator, Local Safeguarding Children Board (LSCB) Trainer, and School Improvement Adviser.
Throughout her career, Ann Marie has successfully led multidisciplinary teams and worked extensively with schools and local authorities to strengthen safeguarding systems, improve outcomes for vulnerable children, and promote effective, child-centred practice across education settings.
Ann Marie is a Registered Social Worker and has managed various social work teams:
- Managed a child protection team 0-5 (Early years) 2011-2015
- Managed a child protection team in Youth Justice 2010-2014
- Managed school based social workers and pastoral staff 2010 -2015
