Education does not transform the world. Education changes people. People change the world.
(Paulo Freire 1921-1997)
A good curriculum design prioritises balanced, rigorous, coherent, vertically integrated learning experiences.
It should also be appropriate, focused, and relevant, ensuring students develop essential knowledge and skills while also fostering a love for learning.
I have worked with a range of universities, colleges, teaching partnerships and education providers in the social work, social care, health and education sector and am experienced in both development and delivery.
What I help with
I am experienced in curriculum design, development and delivery and have skills in writing academic materials ranging from key note lectures, to seminar sessions and whole academic units or programmes. I have also written guidance on practice for a range of organisations at a national level.
My particular expertise is in designing materials which can be then delivered by others. I also provide coaching for curriculum leads whereby I provide them with a reflective thinking space to help them to develop materials based on their own knowledge and vision.
I have contributed to qualifying programmes such as social work Master's or Batchelor's degree programmes requiring particular accreditation. I have also contributed to a range of post-qualifying courses such as leadership or research Masters programmes or other Continuous Professional Development offers.
My key areas of expertise
I have 30 years experience of social work practice with children and adults, and 10 years as an academic in social work. I can develop learning and teaching materials and design curriculum covering a wide range of subjects relating to social work. My specialist knowledge covers some of the following:
• Introduction to systemic practice skills
• Attachment theory
• Direct work with children
• Social work law and policy
• Social work research methods
• Reflective leadership and management
• Becoming a reflective supervisor
• Facilitating reflective practice groups
How we'll work together
I offer a free 30 minute consultation for us to meet and to hear what you need. We can then decide if I can provide what's required. At this point we'd discuss our expectations and a working agreement.
I will then send you a proposed contract agreement for the work which sets out my terms and conditions and proposed costs, as well as the deliverables.
Click here for info on my fees for Curriculum Development.
During our curriculum design coaching sessions together, Jo has been an incredible source of support and motivation, guiding me through the development, design, and delivery of our leadership programme.
Her ability to shape and refine my ideas into a structured and coherent curriculum has been invaluable, ensuring it is well-suited for both students and experienced professionals.
Jo has encouraged me to reflect on my practice and knowledge, particularly in relation to social work ethics, anti-discriminatory and anti-racist values of social work, and to consider how these can be effectively role-modelled.
Through her own approach and insightful feedback, she has exemplified how these principles can be embedded within a pedagogical framework.
Her mentorship has been instrumental in creating a programme that is not only practical and impactful but also deeply grounded in the core values of our profession. Thank you.
Jo is a pleasure to work with. She has collaborated with Frontline on several occasions to produce some accessible, engaging, and relevant curriculum design.
Jo has also delivered her material as part of our research project module with appreciative and positive feedback from students and staff facilitators alike.
I wouldn’t hesitate to work with Jo again and highly recommend her!
My fees for curriculum design
My starting fee is £130 per hour and is dependent on the type and volume of work required. For example, a more enduring, regular provision of work over a year or more will incur a lower fee than an isolated piece of work.
I am also open to negotiating with organisations where they offer a set fee for work such as a fixed rate for giving key note lectures or updating materials or writing guidance.
Click here to contact me directly.
My cancellation policy for curriculum design
In the event that the work is unable to go ahead once the contract is agreed, the cancellation policy is as follows:
(i) If, for whatever reason, the organisation finds it necessary to postpone or cancel the work which has been agreed, they will not be liable for the cost if 30 working days or more notice is given, except when preparation work has already taken place which will be charged for in full.
(ii) If 15-29 working days notice is given, the organisation will be liable for 40% of the cost.
(iii) If 7 to 14 working days’ notice is given, the organisation will be liable for 70% of the cost.
(iv) If cancellation is within less than 7 working days the organisation will be liable for the whole cost of the work.