Lynn Beckett

Lynn Beckett

Director GCA International, Ltd

lynn@gcainternational.org

My passion throughout my career has been to overcome disadvantage and discrimination through education. I have a wide range of experience in provision of services for children and families specifically early education, childcare and related workforce development.

I have also worked in Adult Education and developed and managed Family Learning Projects, working in partnership with schools and community groups to empower individuals and local communities. My aim has always been to support individuals, particularly women, to be able to contribute to their children’s education and participate in community development in areas with high levels of economic disadvantage.

My reward has been the satisfaction gained when making a difference to the lives of men, women and children who face educational disadvantage and discrimination.

I am a very creative individual; I enjoy socialising and new experiences. Fundamentally a researcher, I always wanted to find out more, with a keen thirst for knowledge. Whilst I am efficient and adaptable I can also be a little impatient, resenting inequality and not afraid to voice my opinions or ask for support to take things forward. This has sustained my interest and the work I do as a Director of GCA International.

Experience 

  • Director

Gender & Child Advancement International (GCA) Ltd

November 2010 – Present (3 years 10 months)

Develop and deliver training in the UK and Africa including working with UNICEF to evaluate

Reading Projects in 10 states in Nigeria.

  • Business Coach for Growth Accelerator

June 2014 – Present (3 months)

Coaching and training with SME’s as part of Growth Accelerator and Growth Innovator

  • Associate Peer

Local Government Association UK

December 2008 – March 2014 (5 years 4 months)

Accredited to carry out Peer Reviews within Local Authorities

  • Early Years & Child Poverty Sector Specialist

Centre for Excellence in Outcomes for Children

December 2008 – March 2013 (4 years 4 months) FREELANCE

BUSINESS COACH and trainer working with local authorities across the UK and specifically in the East and West Midlands and Liverpool.

  • Sandwell MBCStrategic Manager Early Years & Childcare

Sandwell MBC

May 2001 – May 2012 (11 years 1 month) United Kingdom

  • Deliver Government  Policy – National Childcare Strategy and Early Intervention Training

Recruitment and Quality Officer

Wolverhampton City Council

May 1999 – January 2001 (1 year 9 months)

  • Develop training programmes and PROCURE TRAINING, deliver training; support recruitment into the early years and childcare sector; develop and support Quality Assurance processes for private and voluntary early years and childcare providers.

(Open) 1 course

  • Family Learning Manager

Bilston Community College

March 1997 – February 1999 (2 years)

  • Manage 27 Franchise projects across the West Midlands. Working with schools and community groups to improve functional literacy skills and support parents in their parenting role.
  • Trustee/Treasurer

Sandwell Adventure Play Association

December 2012Children

Trustee – supporting SAPA to change to a Charitable Incorporated Organisation

Pubications

Development and Learning for Very Young Children

SAGE

2009