Christine Jennings
Banchory,Aberdeenshire
Summary
Highly experienced safeguarding and student support professional with over 30 years’ experience across statutory social work, leadership roles and higher education. Proven track record of leading complex services, managing risk and safeguarding responsibilities, and delivering improved outcomes for individuals with complex needs.
Extensive experience of team leadership, organisational change, and multi-agency collaboration across health, education, and social care systems. Recognised for influencing practice, improving service delivery and supporting high-performing teams, including leading an award-winning team within Children’s Services.
Currently working within higher education as an Inclusion Mentor, providing specialist support to students with mental health needs, neuro diversity and complex circumstances. Regularly contributes to risk management, multidisciplinary planning and strategic discussions that inform decision-making at a senior level.
Skilled in translating complex information into clear, actionable insight, influencing stakeholders and driving continuous improvement. Committed to inclusive, values-driven practice that empowers individuals and strengthens organisational culture.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work history
Inclusion Mentor (Student Life)
Robert Gordon University
Aberdeen, Aberdeen City
2022.10 - 2026.06
- Delivery of Student-Centered Support to up to 30 students weekly.
- Collaboration with internal and external partners in ways that contribute positively to wellbeing, engagement and academic outcomes of students supported.
- Provision of evidence based risk assessments/ management plans for students in crisis.
- Maintenance of accurate records that comply with GDPR requirements.
- Gathering of data to inform service delivery/ design.
Team Manager (Disability Service)
Aberdeen City Council
Aberdeen, Aberdeen City
2020.11 - 2022.09
- Strengthen safeguarding outcomes for children and vulnerable adults by leading a team of 12 Social Workers through evidenced based plans of intervention.
- Augmented case planning quality by directing decision making across all active cases.
- Increased collaboration by chairing multi-agency meetings with all key statutory and 3rd Sector partners.
- Advocate for parents, carers and children around complex emotional and practical need to build resilience.
Team Manager (Intake Service)
Aberdeen City Council
Aberdeen, Aberdeen City
2011.11 - 2020.10
- Supervise all aspects of child protection intake team city wide delivery
- Triage up to 35 new referrals daily and coordinate risk informed interventions.
- Lead delivery of crisis interventions for those at risk of immediate harm.
- Supervise 22 social workers and para professionals through provision of monthly supervision and daily practice advice/ guidance.
- Fostered team culture of trust and respect through accountable, respectful communication.
- Budgetary oversight in compliance with legal requirements
- Data collection / analysis/ reporting to inform service provision/ delivery.
- Change management.
Social Worker (Children and Families)
Moray Council
Buckie, Moray
2009.10 - 2011.10
- Case management of up to 35 families.
- Assessment of Need and Risk (Children and Adults)
- Fulfilling legal responsibilities of Lead Professional role within multi agency plans of intervention.
- Chairing of multi agency decision making forums.
- Provision of written and verbal reports to a range of legal decision making forums.
Lecturer in Social Work
Robert Gordon University
Aberdeen, Aberdeen City
2005.07 - 2009.09
- Planning and development of the curriculum and course materials.
- Delivery of teaching on the BA(Hons) Social Work Programme.
- Scholarly activity related to Social Work knowledge base.
- Developed curriculum in line with latest research to enhance students' knowledge base.
- Influenced students' understanding by delivering dynamic and relevant lectures on social work theory.
- Adapted teaching methods according to individual student needs for optimal learning experiences.
- Fostered an interactive learning environment through the use of multimedia presentations.
- Coordinated guest lectures from professionals for practical insights into the field of social work.
- Facilitated workshops, tutorials and seminars with opportunities to stimulate students' critical thinking and analysis.
Education
Bachelor in Education - Education
Northern College of Education
Aberdeen, Aberdeen City06.1989
RSA Certificate - Teaching English as a Foreign Language
Godmer House School of English
Oxford1990
Post Graduate Diploma - Social Work
RGU
Aberdeen, Aberdeen City06.2000
Post Graduate Certificate - Higher Education Learning and Teaching Learning in Higher Education
Robert Gordon University
Aberdeen, Aberdeen City06.2006
Skills
Leadership & Service Management
- Leading teams through organisational change, maintaining performance, morale and retention
- Workforce development through structured supervision, coaching and performance management
- Contributing to service design, improvement and implementation of best practice
- Building high-performing, resilient teams in complex, high-demand environments
Safeguarding & Risk Management
- Advanced risk assessment and management in complex and high-risk situations
- Strong knowledge of safeguarding frameworks, legislation and multi-agency processes
- Experience chairing case discussions and contributing to high-level decision-making
- Producing high-quality, evidence-based reports to inform strategic decisions
Student Support & Inclusion (HE Context)
- Supporting students with mental health needs, neuro diversity and complex circumstances
- Delivering tailored, student-centred interventions that improve engagement and outcomes
- Working within a “Team Around the Student” approach across academic and professional services
- Promoting inclusive, trauma-informed practice across services
Communication & Influence
- Presenting complex information clearly to senior stakeholders and multidisciplinary teams
- Influencing decision-making through evidence-based professional judgment
- Building effective partnerships across academic, statutory and third-sector organisations
- Skilled in negotiation, advocacy and managing differing professional perspectives
Strategic Thinking & Service Improvement
- Identifying gaps in service provision and driving improvements in systems and processes
- Using data, case insight and professional evidence to inform decision-making
- Improving consistency and quality of service delivery across teams
- Contributing to organisational priorities relating to wellbeing, inclusion and safeguarding
Professional Practice & Values
- Strong commitment to equality, diversity and anti-discriminatory practice
- High levels of integrity, confidentiality and professional accountability
- Trauma-informed, relational and strengths-based approach
- Committed to continuous professional development and reflective practice
Affiliations
Member of the Scottish Social Services Council
Accomplishments
2019 Star Award - Team of the Year (Aberdeen City Council)
2026 Star Award - Support Staff of the Year (RGU)
Timeline
Inclusion Mentor (Student Life)
Robert Gordon University
2022.10 - 2026.06
Team Manager (Disability Service)
Aberdeen City Council
2020.11 - 2022.09
Team Manager (Intake Service)
Aberdeen City Council
2011.11 - 2020.10
Social Worker (Children and Families)
Moray Council
2009.10 - 2011.10
Lecturer in Social Work
Robert Gordon University
2005.07 - 2009.09
Bachelor in Education - Education
Northern College of Education
RSA Certificate - Teaching English as a Foreign Language
Godmer House School of English
Post Graduate Diploma - Social Work
RGU
Post Graduate Certificate - Higher Education Learning and Teaching Learning in Higher Education
Robert Gordon University