Lecturer Details: GM Webinar: Domestic Violence and Abuse; a safeguarding concern

Lecturer nameDr Gill Smallwood BA(hons) QTLS STORM
Lecturer profileGill Smallwood is the Chief Executive of Fortalice Ltd in Bolton. Fortalice provides frontline services, including a Refuge with 22 flats to support victims of Domestic Abuse and Violence. The service has a diverse offer of 19 specialist projects which includes advice and advocacy, group work, an IDVA Service, Children and Young People’s Service, accredited training delivered nationally and work with GP’s. Gill works hard to drive the Domestic Abuse agenda ensuring service are shaped through targeted early intervention and listening to the victim’s voice.

In order for the charity to work in a more collaborative and productive way, Gill was instrumental in setting up 1Point (a gateway to talking therapies), she is also a Director of Bolton Together (children and young people’s consortium) and of the period poverty charity, Fresh as a Daisy.

Gill also continues to work in a range of voluntary roles including being a Governor in primary and secondary education and is a member of the Police Independent Advisory Panel and Scrutiny Group.

Having worked in Education for 28 years teaching psychology and teacher education, Gill decided to move into the Voluntary sector working with victims of domestic abuse in 2011. Gill had done various pieces of work around domestic abuse for over 15 years prior to moving into the voluntary sector. Gill has a diverse range of expertise when working in the safeguarding arena around domestic abuse.
Lecturer nameChristie Webster
Lecturer profileOperational Manager for Pankhurst Trust (incorporating Manchester Women’s Aid).
Christie has worked for PTMWA for 9 years and is responsible for the growth and the operational management of the CYP services at PTMWA, she is also responsible for the operational management of the whole-family work ie engaging child and adult victim/survivors and abusers.