I’m Liz, and I’m proud to have joined CHEXS as our first Chief Operations Officer (COO). Since stepping into the role, I’ve been working alongside our schools, families, and community partners to build on CHEXS’ amazing work. With over 20 years of experience in education, pastoral leadership, and safeguarding, I’m bringing everything I’ve learned to support and strengthen our services. My journey has always been about making a difference, ensuring that children and young people feel safe, supported, and able to thrive.

I’ve spent my career in both mainstream and special education, with a strong focus on Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), safeguarding, and pastoral care. Before joining CHEXS, I was SENCo and Deputy Designated Teacher at White Trees School, a specialist SEMH setting, where I worked directly with vulnerable young people and their families. I’m proud of the work I’ve done leading SEND frameworks, supporting looked-after children and collaborating with multiple agencies to get the best outcomes for students.

I also served as Safeguarding Lead and Designated Teacher in my previous posts, following leadership roles as SENCo and Lead for Learning Support at Goffs Churchgate School, and as Assistant Head for Sixth Form and Behaviour at both Goffs School. Across these roles, I’ve focused on safeguarding, SEND, school improvement, and pastoral support, what happens beyond the classroom matters just as much as outcomes. I’ve always been passionate about supporting staff too, making sure teams have the tools and confidence to deliver exceptional support to the young people we all care so much about, but also fostering a team approach with colleagues, professionals and other organisations that support both young people and their families.

Since joining CHEXS, I’ve been working to strengthen our partnerships with schools and families. My background in SEND, safeguarding, leadership and school governance, have developed my understanding of the pressures schools face and the challenges families navigate. I’m here to make sure our programmes remain impactful, sustainable, and responsive to the needs of our community. I am also looking forward to supporting the charity to grow its support.

One of my current focuses is integrating the Family Support and GROWTH Programmes, ensuring they continue to evolve and provide meaningful support where it’s needed most. I’m committed to a whole-family approach that promotes resilience, stability, and long-term positive change.

At CHEXS, we’re here for our schools, our families, and our community. I know how important it is to work together; to listen, adapt, and provide the right support at the right time. Whether you’re a teacher, a parent, wider professional or a community partner, I want you to know that I’m here to champion the work we do together.

I look forward to continuing this journey with all of you, let’s keep building brighter futures for our young people, together.