I've been asked to contribute a blog to social media week, so here's a short taster of my work and how I came to be involved in it.
I joined the LGA in November 2011 from the Cabinet Office, where I had been working with local authorities to improve collaboration with, and commissioning of, voluntary sector organisations.
I now work on all aspects of licensing and regulation, supporting councils to more effectively protect their residents and support consumer confidence in local businesses.
My work is highly varied, ranging from work on the recent changes to the Licensing Act 2003 by the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act and the Live Music Act to licensing of non-human primates, use of covert surveillance and taxi reform.
I am also contributing to the LGA’s work to support prospective Police and Crime Commissioners by identifying areas of collaboration between PCCs and councils when managing the night-time economy.
I am supported by several networks of frontline officers, sharing their experience with me on issues around licensing and law and evidence. Their insight into how things work on the ground are invaluable in shaping the LGA response to and engagement with Government, as well as identifying forthcoming issues in their own right.
You can follow my work on @LGALicensing
