Debbie has worked in Education for 25 years as a school business professional and qualified in CIPFA Level 7 Financial & Operational Leadership in 2019. In 2022 Debbie played a pivotal role in the conversion and set up of 13 primary schools, one of which was her own where she had been the School Business Leader for 22 years. The Leaf Trust officially opened on 1 September 2023 and Debbie was promoted to Head of Business Operations where she now leads a team of 6 central staff and the business staff and functions across the Trust.

Debbie is committed to promoting and developing the role of the School Business Professional and the contribution they make to education and in 2017 founded the South Gloucestershire School Business Leaders’ Group. Debbie continues to Chair this network which provides a platform to share ideas, provide support, improve practice and business functions for schools across the County.

Debbie has an extensive range of networks locally, regionally and nationally. As an ISBL Fellow and Trustee, Debbie continues to develop her own practice and invest in her own professional development. In November 2019 Debbie was awarded the ISBL CEO Award for her Exceptional Contribution to School Business Leadership.