How did you become involved with adoption and Adoption UK?

My involvement is personal. As an adopted adult, my life-journey has shaped who I am today – I was cared for by foster parents at birth before being adopted by my loving family as a young baby in 1971. In my early 30s, after a decade-long search, I reunited with both birth parents, a chance encounter with a taxi driver playing a crucial role.

Inspired and supported by After Adoption during my search, I volunteered with Adoption UK Cymru for many years. As an ambassador, I ran peer support groups for adopted adults and spoke publicly at AUK events in order to help raise awareness of the complexities surrounding adoption.

Now, as a Trustee of Adoption UK, I'm proud to work with a dynamic team, leveraging my background to support others on their adoption journeys and help to shape the organization's strategic direction as well as advocating initiatives that raise awareness of adoption.

Any specific skills or areas of expertise relevant to the work of Adoption UK?

I'm the CEO of a bespoke IT Consultancy which is first and foremost, a People-centered business. I am responsible for setting our strategic direction steeped in tech innovation whilst keeping our company values and culture true as we scale.

I believe passionately in a Partnership ethos and thrive on working with inspiring people to innovate and enable meaningful difference. Coupled with my professional expertise, this is one area which I'm particularly looking forward to working with Adoption UK by having new conversations, building new partnerships and helping to open new doors.

Thinking of 'Together We're Family' - I'm married to Dave, am a Mam to 5 grown-up children and a Mam Mam to 4 - almost 6 - grandchildren. My family are my world and together, we continually adapt to the joys of modern day parenting (ah the joys of social media, both a blessing and a curse). Every day is most certainly a learning day!

How do you want to see Adoption UK develop over the next five years?

By 2029, I’d hope to see Adoption UK expanding support services tailored to the diverse needs of those touched by adoption. For adult adoptees in particular, this could take shape as a new support system focusing on themes like identity, reuniting and searching - which will be informed by research from the AUK Adoption Barometer.

With my digital creative hat on, AI and new technology will be embraced by Adoption UK, where we can leverage the power of data-driven insights to begin the revolution of how adoption support services are delivered which will enhance the quality, accessibility and efficiency of these services.

On a wider note, I'd envision that businesses will be actively playing a significant role in creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for those touched by adoption. Initiatives such as Employer's Toolkits will have been continually improved and rolled out across the UK.