Liz Ponsford,

About Me

Education:
Diploma in Careers Guidance. Bristol Polytechnic, Sept. '90 - July '91.
BSc. (Hons.) Psychology, Class 2:1. Plymouth Polytechnic, Sept. '84 - June '87
Currently studying for a Level 3 Certificate in Coaching with the ADHD Foundation

Career Experience:

I have worked as a Professionally qualified Careers Adviser for over 30 years, gaining experience in a number of organisations including Local Authority Careers Services in Surrey and Cheshire, The Connexions Service in Devon and Cornwall and the CSW Group. Since 2014, I have been working as an Independent Careers Adviser, successfully negotiating contracts to deliver an impartial careers information, advice and guidance service to young people aged 13-19 attending 2 large community colleges in South Devon as well as the South Devon UTC.

My current role includes one to one guidance and facilitating group activities. I am responsible for planning and delivering work within a challenging and fast paced educational environment with a strong awareness of the importance of working independently whilst being sensitive to issues that may arise within an educational organisation.

I work in partnership with teachers and health and social care professionals to support to young people aged 13-19 to overcome barriers to learning and to maximise their full potential. I support parents and carers, through attendance at Parents events and multidisciplinary review meetings. I liaised with statutory and voluntary agencies, employers, FE Colleges and Universities to ensure the Careers Advice was informed, appropriate and up to date. Working at all times to promote equality of opportunity for all young people.

I am currently undertaking a Level 3 Coaching Qualification with a specific application to working with Neurodiverse Clients. I am studying this remotely with the ADHD Foundation-A Neurodiversity Charity. Throughout my career, I have worked with students with a wide range of neurodivergent needs and often find these young people can underachieve or find extra challenges learning within the mainstream education system. Young people with Neurodiverse needs can require additional support to recognise their strengths and qualities and understand how they can follow career paths that play to their individual talents and strengths. The Coaching qualification will develop my understanding and enhance the skills I have to offer within a Careers Guidance Context.
I am trained in Safeguarding for both Children and Vulnerable Adults, Personal Safety, Manual Handling and Confidentiality and cybersecurity. I have an Enhanced DBS with Devon County Council as a Child and Adult Workforce Student Mentor. As a Registered Career Development Professional with the CDI, I undertake a minimum of 25 hrs CPD annually.
I have Public Liability and Professional and Indemnity cover.