Karen brings a deep commitment to inclusion and community engagement to her dual role as Attendance Adviser and BDSIP’s Designated Safeguarding Lead. With a background in youth and community work, she approaches attendance challenges through a relational and holistic lens — exploring the underlying reasons behind persistent absence and supporting schools to respond with empathy, consistency and care.

Karen works closely with school attendance leads to strengthen processes, develop targeted interventions and engage families. She takes pride in helping schools grow in confidence and clarity, building partnerships that lead to improved attendance and better outcomes for pupils.

Karen’s approach is rooted in the belief that every child deserves the chance to thrive, regardless of background or circumstance. She shares BDSIP’s commitment to inclusion, equity and early support, working to ensure that attendance and safeguarding are not just about compliance, but about creating the conditions where all children feel safe, valued and ready to learn.