Academic and Professional Qualifications:
PhD – University of Birmingham (p/t research: sociology, social psychology, ethnomusicology, ethnography)
MA – University of Leicester (p/t): sociology / economy / education, incl. 3 x 3hr. exams and dissertation
BA – Open University (p/t): social sciences – with distinctions
Cert.Ed. – Teaching qualification: f/t course at Borough Road College – University of London; and at Caen University, France
Honorary B.Ed. – University of London

Additional professional qualifications: TDLB 32, 33, 34: Management – Quality Assurance Assessment in Health and Social Care (part of in–service training)

Languages:
Fluent in English and French
Qualifications also in Latin and German
Currently learning Estonian

Professional Career:
Taught the following subjects (all incl. examination courses) to young people and adults in various educational establishments: French, English, Sociology, Health / Social Care, and General Studies; and non–examination courses in music and movement; and drama.
MA research and dissertation on women and the labour market
Head of Sociology, PSHE, GNVQ Coordinator and Deputy Head of Sixth Form
Team member of a county Advisory Group on Gender: a group set up after my contact and discussion– about my MA research – with a new county Deputy Director of Education for schools and colleges
Designed, taught and lectured on in–service training courses for teachers; and for Careers Officers (all on gender and anti–racism issues in education and the labour market)
Co–wrote (team of four) county policy / guidelines manual: gender and curriculum in schools and colleges
Short research projects in several counties on gender, disability, and equal opportunities in schools
Wrote related ‘Action’ reports
Short research project in a hospital
Wrote school policy on anti–racism
Co–wrote (with colleague from another school) a lengthy bid (including learning / teaching development) to set up a joint GNVQ centre
Attendance at many in–service courses related to development needs of young people (including social and mental health; conflict resolution; building relationships; counselling)
Attended also many conferences related to the above; and related to work in the Youth Service
Attended academic conferences: e.g. at City University, London (“Sign of the Times” annual conferences); at the University of Sheffield, at the University of Warwick, and at the University of Birmingham, including a paper given by me at the latter relating to my doctoral research
In addition to my f/t job, I was p/t youth worker (10 years, paid by a county LEA Youth Service): involving social, health, and political issues such as anti–racism and gender; counselling; advice; organisation and running girls’ days (including non–stereotyped participation in wide–ranging activities, including girls’ football, archery, abseiling)
In addition to my f/t job, I was Project Manager (p/t – paid by county Youth Service) at a ‘Drop–in’ centre for disadvantaged young people
Devised projects and exhibitions (school–based) related to International Women’s Days
Devised similar relating to anti–racism
Devised and taught modules on gender and anti–racism (to young people and to adults)
Attendance at many courses on teaching languages
Attendance at courses on cross–curricular learning/teaching
Attendance at courses relating to community education for adults
Organised and led trips to France and Germany
Convenor for MEG West Midlands Examinations in Social Sciences
Attendance at Exam Board meetings for Sociology

Voluntary Work in the UK
Chapel Sunday school teacher in South Wales, UK
Sang solos, duets, quartets, and with choirs at school concerts and chapel: varied genres / languages
Won certificates for solo singing in various languages (classical and popular) at school Eisteddfods
Represented grammar school attended by me at Cardiff University in French poetry recital
Acted in drama productions
Committee editorial member: school magazine
Prefect
Vice–Captain (grammar school ‘house’ system)
Team Captain / team member in inter–school events
Sang title role in opera performances (in England and in France)
Assisted at pre–school playgroups
Assisted at Saturday Music School mornings for young children
Committee member for playschemes for young children (held in long school summer holidays): planned, organised and ran related activities for such events
Committee member for Girls’/ Women’s days / weekends offering a range of cultural and artistic activities and opportunities, also use of computer and car maintenance
Secretary of a Women’s Council
Women’s Officer and member of a District Council
Delegate to women’s conferences for the Labour Party
Vice–Chairperson of a local Labour Party branch
Designed and delivered leaflets and campaigned for latter
President of a local Teachers’ Union branch
Social secretary of another local Labour Party branch
Executive committee member of above
Letter–writing in French for Amnesty to help free political prisoner in Africa
Collected donations to provide dogs for blind people
Chairperson (3 years): ‘Women and community arts project’, included exhibitions of our collective textile projects; and workshops including art, music, drama, poetry; information stands on health and political issues affecting women; concerts: all in preparation for, during and after International Women’s Days
Ran a weekly youth club for disadvantaged young people
Liaised with various health professionals regarding young people
County–appointed school governor at a local primary school (10 years)
Chairperson of a local ‘chronic illness’ group (3 years): researcher, writer and editor of their monthly magazine; also gave telephone support; designed information leaflets; press reports; acted as delegate to a local hospital for a variety of chronic health issues
Donated copies of my first novel to MIND, in Caerphilly, South Wales, to help raise money
Researcher and writer for a local music magazine (3 years) in support of live music

Voluntary Work Abroad – France and Germany
Lived in France for approximately 20 years
Designed / wrote leaflets in French and in English: health info; and architectural heritage information
Member of a local “Le Téléthon” committee in France: helped raise money for research into genetic conditions, especially myopathies
Member of community group in France selling “Galettes des Rois” to raise money for local church
Member of community painting group – support for elderly people in France
Member of a large choir in France in which, in many languages and wide–ranging genres, I sang solos, sang in duets, quartets, and in the choir at many concerts (short and long). Concerts were held at various venues in France and in Germany to help raise money for church and for cultural heritage projects; sometimes both countries combined participation at venues in both countries
Lengthy, frequent support over many years for an elderly French person who spoke no English
Choral and solo singing at Residential Homes in France for elderly and chronically ill people

Current:
Writer
Singer and recording