Val established herself originally with a career in the world of corporate and commercial finance. She began working as an education-based finance professional in the mid 1990’s. During her 25+ years in the sector she has worked as an adviser, a practising school business manager and school business leader (in a variety of different settings), and a School Business Leadership specialist representing the profession nationally.

She “retired” from full time work in 2018 and is now an independent consultant supporting the school business leadership profession. She is also a trustee on the board of The Robert Carre Trust.

An early advocate of the National College for School Leadership she has supported the delivery of professional development for school business management and leadership professionals for many years – more recently as DSBM Programme Manager for Best Practice Network.

An honorary Fellow of the Institute for School Business Leadership, Val was awarded the CEO’s Award for exceptional services to the SBL profession in 2018.