Jackie’s working life has focused upon services for children, young people and their families and has included working at the front line through to senior management roles within both central and local government. She has a breadth of experience in management, delivery and policy development in children's services at both central and local government level.
From a background in local authority social work, Jackie went on to become Head of Children’s Services with North Tyneside Council until she joined the cross-departmental Sure Start Unit in 1998. As Deputy Director in the unit, Jackie was responsible for all disadvantaged area programmes including Sure Start local programmes and latterly, developing and implementing children’s centres' policy.
In 2005, Jackie was appointed as the Department for Children, Schools and Families' Director for Children and Learners based at the Government Office for the North East. Jackie and her team work to support local authorities and their partners to improve outcomes for children, young people and their families in the region.
Jackie leads nationally on behalf of the Government Office Network on children's health issues.
