Laura S•••

About

On the record

I have worked within the voluntary sector since graduating from University. I am passionate about offering an inclusive service to children, young people and the staff who work with them, to provide opportunities to enable them to truly be all they can be. Everyone deserves access to opportunities to improve their quality of life and have the right to succeed. I have extensive experienced in developing learning and performance training and provision and in supporting the establishment of networks influencing policy and developing high profile campaign work on mental health and welfare reform to raise awareness and support behaviour change in key areas. I have been able to develop sensitive working relationships, to effectively ensure that the best possible services and opportunities are provided for individuals. I have experience of Service Redesign, Learner Needs Analysis and developing engagement tools/resources whilst managing and coordinating multiple programmes of work ensuring the strategic organisational aims are achieved. Influencing the sector through the development and establishment of Participation Forums, Strategic and Youth-led networks, Consultations and liaising with the Scottish Government directorates and working groups. I have had a strong professional focus on Community Learning and Development and supporting individuals to identify and find solutions to the issues that impact their lives. I have managed and coordinated National and International development programmes focusing on rights based and inclusive approaches. I was shortlisted as Youth Work Manager of the year in 2018 at the Youthlink Scotland Awards and won Team of the Year in 2020 – supported by the CLD Standards council, as well as winning awards in recognition for the programme work recognised through Volunteer Youth Worker of the Year in 2018 and 2020. Previous work was recognised as an example of best practice for youth involvement and innovation being a finalist at 2014 STAND awards, The Alliance Self-Management Awards and winning Quality in Care Best Digital Initiative 2015 and FeelsFM, Scotland’s largest conversation with young people on mental health; this won the Digital Health and Social Care Award for Empowering Young People in February 2020. I am an Associate Member of the Community Learning and Development Standards Council for Scotland and CIPD.