• Anita
• Barbara
• Bonnie
• Denise
• Nicky
• James
• Kiera
• Sonia

Meet our people

James starts by describing his background. He spent time in the Motor and Insurance industries and did various outreach and volunteer work, including helping vulnerable children. That helped him make his mind up that he wanted a career where he could do more to help children and their families, and social work seemed the obvious choice.

He talks about his current role in the Assessment and Family Support team, including how varied the work is and the team’s ability to respond quickly when a child’s safety is at risk. And then goes on to explain how Essex County Council gave him the chance to undertake a Social Care degree at Ruskin College in Oxford.

The council sponsored him throughout the 3 and a half-year degree, which he did part-time alongside his day job. He found it beneficial to be able to apply the theory he learnt at college to real-life situations. But it took him a bit of time to find the right balance between work and study.

She talks enthusiastically about working and experiencing life in another country.

James enjoyed spending time in Oxford. And liked fact that he got to share knowledge and experience with students from a range of backgrounds; many having worked with both children and adults and experienced life in the private sector. The course gave him the chance to learn about everything from social work theory and psychology to social policy. And helped him identify areas where he could improve to become an even better social care professional.