Gem Novis
Associate Trainer, Consultant
Gemma is a dedicated community and youth work practitioner fuelled by her passion for community development, equalities, and inclusion.
Gem's journey was ignited by her upbringing on a sprawling council housing estate in South-east London during the 1980s. The impact of Stephen Lawrence's tragic murder on her school and community, coupled with becoming a young caregiver for her disabled mother, inspired Gemma to pursue community and youth work training at Goldsmiths, University of London. Graduating with a first-class degree, and a professional youth work qualification, she returned as an associate tutor and remains engaged with the youth work training program as a member of the Social, Therapeutic & Community Studies advisory group.
In addition to her parents' fostering background, Gemma's experience as a foster carer and early permanence adopter adds to her depth of experience. Now as a freelance associate trainer, she also dedicates herself to youth and community engagement projects.
| Dates | Description |
|---|---|
| 2023 - Present | Community & Youth Engagement / Equalities consultant |
| 2023 - Present | KCA Associate Trainer |
| 2021 - 2023 | Early Support Hub Community Navigator (Children and Families Integrated Front Door Service/MASH), Wiltshire Council |
| 2018 - 2021 | Local Area Coordinator (Public Health Wiltshire), member of the Local Area Coordination Network of practitioners |
| 2012 - 2018 | Associate Director (Equalities & Community Engagement), Verve Communications |
| 2009 - 2014 | Associate Lecturer/Tutor, BA Applied Social Science, Community Development & Youth Work. Goldsmiths, University of London |
| 2012 - 2013 | Vitamin D / Healthy Start Project Development (inc. training pharmacists) & Breastfeeding Welcome (venue outreach). Public Health Lewisham |
| 2010 - 2011 | Youth worker in charge/Youth club development, Lewisham Council |
| 2009 - 2011 | Equalities Coordinator, NHS Lewisham PCT/CCG & Lewisham Healthcare NHS Hospital Trust |
| 2008 - 2009 | Health Improvement Programme Officer (Stopping Smoking/community based CVD Health checks), Public Health Lewisham |
| 2006 - 2007 | Administrative Officer. New Local Government Network |
| 2004 - 2006 | Community Development & Youth Work Assistant (The Forum @ Greenwich) |
| 2003 - 2004 | Part-Time Library Assistant, Lewisham Council |
| 2001 - 2003 | Administrative Assistant, UK Civil Service |
| Qualification | Organisation | Date |
|---|---|---|
| MA, Development & Rights | Goldsmiths, University of London | 2007 |
| First class BA (Honours) in Applied Social Science, Community Development & Youth Work | Goldsmiths, University of London | 2006 |
| Certificate in Higher Education, Geography | University of Derby | 1999 |
| A' Levels and GCSE's | Blackheath Bluecoat CofE School | 1998 |
Our other associates
- Ann Berry
- Brian Roberts
- Catherine Gordon
- Dean Reilly-Sharp
- Felicia Wood
- Gem Novis
- Heather Daulphin
- James Harris
- Jessica Tett
- Jo McAndrews
- Julie Revels
- Keith Davies
- Lynne Hipkin
- Maria Lawton
- Nicky Spencer-Hutchings
- Patrick Finegan
- Polly Wright
- Rachael Pryor
- Richard Waite
- Shashi Knott
- Sheila Mulvenney
- Suzi Moore
- Tom Pyne