I am Chief Executive of Action Cerebral Palsy (ACP), a charity which campaigns on behalf of children with cerebral palsy (a lifelong neurological condition) and their families.

My Fellowship work examined best practice early intervention for children with cerebral palsy in Australia. I looked at how the Australian Cerebral Palsy Alliance (ACPA) used its own research to develop innovative early identification, assessment and intervention for infants and young children with cerebral palsy. I also looked at the Australian Cerebral Palsy Register, which was developed by the ACPA to capture data about cerebral palsy, and also the state-run National Disability Insurance Scheme which allows families to self-fund provision for their children with disabilities.

My research findings were presented in Westminster in early 2019. This led to a Freedom of Information report, Variations in Care, which highlighted the inequalities of care available across the UK. Most recently, ACP has sponsored an All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) which has looked at early identification and intervention for infants with cerebral palsy. The report and recommendations were released in March 2021.

My Fellowship has been invaluable to me both professionally and personally.