Sparks Fostering Team

Gemma is an experienced social worker, practice educator and academic. In recent years Gemma has spent most of her time teaching and assessing social workers, this is an area of work Gemma is passionate about and believes student social workers should be well prepared for the realities of social work practice.

Gemma is also a panel member and is involved in reading and reviewing form F assessments (and other documents as required) and contributes to the discussion regarding strengths and vulnerabilities identified in the documents.

Before entering Higher Education, Gemma worked as a Senior Social Worker for the Local Authority for almost 10 years where she worked with children and families, primarily within the field of child protection. Gemma is a real advocate of therapeutic life story work and the difference this can make when supporting children to understand their family circumstances and identity.

Gemma has a keen interest in social work education and loves to study! You will often find her surrounded by lots of books as seen in her profile photo. Gemma has an undergraduate degree in Psychology, MA in Social Work and MA in Child Care Law and Practice. Gemma is currently in the final stages of her Professional Doctorate and child protection remains her research interest.

Gemma is married, has a stepdaughter and a collection of furry animals including 4 cats, 4 chickens and 3 ducks. Gemma is based in the west-midlands area.