Sian Williams , London, United Kingdom

I am a highly motivated, experienced professional with over twenty-five years of experience in education, both nationally and internationally.

I spent ten years teaching music and PSHE in secondary schools, then eight years as a local authority officer, all in inner London. I loved teaching and working with diverse people from all over the world during this time and, through these experiences, learnt about the vital importance of inclusive education. I also learnt a wide variety of skills including: facilitation (teaching and training); programme and project leadership and management; strategic planning; policy development; and public speaking. Particular highlights from this time include: setting up a successful music department from scratch; facilitating young people’s performances both in school and externally with professional musicians; leading the development of the local authority anti-bullying policy, which was regarded as an example of good practice in London; and leading a programme that pioneered the introduction of restorative practice across the local authority’s children and young people’s directorate.

Since 2010 I have worked as a freelance education consultant in the UK and internationally. I have focused on a range of different areas (including relationships education, restorative practice, residential learning, 21st century learning skills and special educational needs provision in low-income countries, diversity in the UK classical music industry), all with an overarching theme of inclusion. Through this work I have: supported governments to improve their provision for young people with special educational needs; managed projects; facilitated numerous engaging CPD sessions; written extensively for a wide range of purposes; devised educational materials for both young people and adults; carried out field research; and spoken frequently in public (often described as ‘inspirational’).

From 2013-16 I lived and worked in Malawi, running a restaurant as well as working as an educational facilitator for the British Council. This experience taught me a great deal about the realities of learning and living in a low-income country, and enabled me to further build skills – in resilience, critical thinking, problem-solving and creativity - that continue to help me both professionally and personally.

I love the variety of work that I do, and often receive excellent feedback about: the high quality of what I produce; my reliability, communication skills, and commitment; and my ability to stick to deadlines. I am also known as someone who can adapt quickly and calmly to a variety of cultures and unexpected situations, whilst maintaining good relationships and a sense of humour.