sharon shillingford

With over seven years of dedicated experience in youth, education, and community services, I have supported diverse groups including NEET young people, young carers, those with special educational needs, and children at risk. I hold multiple accredited qualifications, including CACHE Levels 1–2 in Children and Young People’s Workforce, Level 3 Child Counselling, and IAG Levels 2–4. Currently working as a Senior Youth Employment Hub Advisor in Islington, I manage caseloads, coordinate workshops, and build strategic partnerships to help 16–25-year-olds achieve positive EET outcomes. My previous roles in local authorities, schools, and charities have equipped me with strong safeguarding knowledge, program planning skills, and a passion for empowering young people through tailored support, career guidance, and early intervention.

I have over seven years of experience working across the public, education, and voluntary sectors, supporting young people aged 12–25 from diverse backgrounds, including those with special educational needs, autism, and complex vulnerabilities. My roles have spanned youth work, career guidance, education support, and safeguarding. I have worked as a Senior Youth Employment Hub Advisor, Progress Advisor, Lead Youth and Community Worker, and Exclusion Manager in both local authorities and schools. I have led on NEET prevention, managed caseloads, delivered early intervention programs, coordinated multi-agency support, and developed career pathway plans and training resources. I bring a strong understanding of safeguarding, data systems, and inter-agency collaboration, with a proven ability to engage, support, and empower young people toward positive, sustainable outcomes.

I hold CACHE Level 1 and 2 qualifications in Working with Children and Young People’s Workforce (equivalent to JNC Level 2 in Youth Work), and a Level 3 Award in Child Counselling with a higher distinction. I have completed a CACHE Level 2 and am currently studying for a Level 4 in Information, Advice, and Guidance. My additional training includes Designated Safeguarding Lead (Level 3), Mental Health First Aid and Wellbeing, Motivational Interviewing, Psychology and Mental Health, Fire Warden and First Aid, GDPR/Data Protection, British Sign Language (Beginner), and courses on equality, FGM awareness, and safeguarding in education. These qualifications support my strong foundation in youth work, safeguarding, and advisory roles.