I have 22 years of Whitehall experience, specialising in counter-terrorism, serious organised crime and emergency response. Heading the Department for Education’s Counter-Terrorism Protect, Prepare and Security Team, I was the first to lead on Counter-Terrorism Protect and Prepare for the education sector. In this role, I fought to put counter-terrorism on the radar of education ministers; championing the message that sensible discussions on terrorism need not cause panic across the sector; instead promoting awareness to ensure schools, colleges and universities are a safe place where our children can thrive. I am also the Chair of Governors at a local school, so I understand more than most the pressures faced by the sector.