Trustees - Melanie Harris

I have the experience and skills from working in the education field for the past 28 years. I have worked in various guises including dance lecturer, Head of an Alternative Provider for at risk or excluded young people, French Teacher and Youth worker so have developed extensive skills and qualities which I feel are essential for the role.

My current role as Aspire2University Senior Project Co-ordinator at Wolverhampton University affords me the opportunity to co-ordinate A2U which is looking to inspire, guide and motivate children in care in four local authorities across the West Midlands to see university as part of their future. A2U is a progressive programme which supports Year 7 through their educational journeys to enter university after Year 13 with a mixture of outreach, mentoring and enrichment activities.

I am the owner of a tuition and behaviour business for Year 1 – Year 11 and have been a freelance dance and drama practitioner who has worked in all sections of the community. I have experience of fundraising and event management for projects involving young people and the wider community including raising funds for Heart Care Walsall, St Giles Hospice and Acorns children’s charity.

Completing my Masters in Education, I am a lifelong learner and am continually looking for courses and opportunities for self-development. Other courses recently completed include; Safeguarding, Emergency First Aid, Equality and Diversity, Information Sharing and Data Protection.

In terms of personal qualities I am able to advocate and share the values of the charity and can also demonstrate a commitment to the charity’s cultural elements. I have a ‘duty of care’ ethos which is at the heart of everything I do and I believe in investing in children for the future.