Kathy Melling, Associate
Kathy comes from a background of supported employment and disability with her first experiences in the sector in the late 1970’s in the United States.
She began her studies at the University of Illinois, and had the privilege of being taught by Marc Gold, the founder of Training in Systematic Instruction and supported employment.
She emigrated to the UK in the early 1980’s and worked in disability services in London, Buckinghamshire and Kent. Her pioneering work in Kent in transforming day services and developing supported employment featured in Changing Days.
She became the National Employment Lead for Valuing People Now at the Department for Health in 2009, and worked as part of the Valuing Employment Now cross-Government team until it was disbanded. Her most notable achievements in this role include writing and publishing a cross-Government definition and best practice guidelines for supported employment, developing the Valuing People Now employment resource hub, and supporting local areas to develop employment pathways across service and agency boundaries.
She was involved in the establishment of the British of Supported Employment where she continues to be an active member of the National Executive Committee. She now works as an independent trainer and consultant, and has being working with LSIS (Learning and Skills Improvement Service) on the introduction of National Occupational Standards for supported employment.
Contact Details
Email: kathy.melling@ndti.org.uk