Helen Butters

Prior to starting in post as Work Based Education Officer, I spent over thirty years in primary education. I held a variety of positions from class teacher, SENCo, Safeguarding Lead and Senior Leadership in a range of schools. I enjoyed supporting children on their learning journey and working with colleagues to develop new initiatives. I was also able to liaise with professionals from a wide range of agencies which broadened my knowledge of how individuals learn and develop, as well as gaining an appreciation of the importance of collaborative working. Through working with children and their families I developed an interest in mental health and was fortunate to secure a position as a trustee of a local mental health charity. As a trustee, I support the charity to reach out to individuals and offer a range of support programmes that help them to develop the necessary skills to effectively manage their mental health. I find this role both informative and rewarding and am gaining a better understanding of how mental health can impact the ability of individuals to reach their potential.

In June 2020 I joined the Work Based Education Officers team for the Institute of Policing and am enjoying the opportunity to support students on the PCDA programme. The role is varied, and working with individual students, identifying areas for support and targets for their development brings new challenges and opportunities. Helping students to celebrate their successes is rewarding too.