For many years until her retirement in 2019. Susan worked in the Science Department at Bishop Barrington School in Bishop Auckland, County Durham. In 2012 she was invited to represent HLTAs from schools and academies across the North of England on the HNAP (HLTA National Assessment Partnership) Board, the awarding body for the status. At the inaugural meeting Susan was voted Deputy Chair, a position she held until her retirement. 

Her role on the Board was to report and comment on proposals on the agenda; a significant development while she was Deputy Chair was the introduction of Level 2 tests in Maths and English that enable aspiring HLTAs to access HLTA preparation and achieve the status if they are unable to provide the evidence for Maths and English qualifications. At every meeting. Susan’s insight into what was happening in schools was very much appreciated by everyone, and she was able to advise on procedures for quality assurance, performance management and how the current OFSTED criteria was being used to assess learning support staff. This promoted a great deal of discussion among board members about processes nationally and the impact on the HLTA programme, its development and growing importance in school.  

From 2013, Susan was involved with The National Outstanding HLTA Award, a celebration event to recognise the achievements of the nine regional HLTAs of the Year and to award one of the nominees the national title. She worked tirelessly to help to organise and manage this event and always made time to attend regional events to speak to aspiring and experienced HLTAs. 

Twice a year, Susan would chair a cross-moderation, an event where the RPAs came together to share and moderate assessments from around the country to ensure high standards of practice regarding assessments were maintained. As with everything she did, she gave her full commitment to managing this process professionally.

Susan’s comment: ‘Being involved with HNAP reassures me that the HLTA assessment process is as stringent now as it has always been and that the Regional Providers continue to strive for the recognition and rewards for the skills and knowledge of aspiring HLTAs. As a member of the Board I worked alongside dedicated professionals from a range of disciplines and had great opportunities to meet HLTAs from all parts of the country.’