VODG Learning and Development Professional Network Meeting

Sarah Gilbert

Director of Strategy, Impact and Policy , Skills for Care

Sarah Shimmin Gilbert is one of the Strategy, Impact and Policy Directors at Skills for Care.

Prior to joining Skills for Care Sarah was an Interim Executive Director of Strategy and Influence at Mencap, where she played a key role in leading Mencap through the COVID-19 pandemic as well as leading Mencap's Learning Disability Helpline, legal support to families, and Mencap's campaigning and local advocacy.

Through her work with the National Council of Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) and as an independent consultant, Sarah has worked with a range of organisations leading and delivering consultancy and training in strategy, evaluation and impact, research, and campaigning and influencing. Sarah has worked with universities and charity sector organisations, has written and contributed to a range of publications, and held a range of roles in charities including working in social and health policy influencing.

Tanya Fozzard

Workforce Intelligence Analyst, Skills for Care

Tanya has a degree in Psychology and is currently undergoing a Masters of research to further develop her research and analysis skills. She previously worked as an analyst for the NHS.

At Skills for Care, Tanya is responsible for producing and maintaining our internal monthly reporting, monitoring management information and KPIs. She is also responsible for producing interactive visualisations using various software and tools and takes a keen interest in programming languages.

Judith Manners

Pharmacist Director , OPUS

Judith Manners is a qualified Pharmacist and trainer. Judith founded OPUS Pharmacy Services in 2004, with the vision of delivering quality medicines training to the care sector and schools, that makes a real difference to organisations and the people they support. With over 35 years’ experience as a Pharmacist, Judith is widely known for her practical guidance and up-to-date regulatory knowledge. Judith is a member of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society and is an accredited Trainer Assessment Programme (TAP) Learning & Development Professional. These skills and knowledge are at the heart of OPUS training.