Jennifer took on the role of Pro Chancellor of the University on 1 August 2023. She was appointed to the Board of Governors on 1 April 2012 and became Chair in 2018.
She is chair of Rightsnet, the national welfare rights service and go,integers in her local library.
Jennifer has spent her working life in health, social care and education.
She has been a board member of CAFCASS (the Children and Families Court Advisory and Support Service), Child Poverty Action Group, WRVS, Social Care Association, National Development Team, Mental Health Foundation and National Institute for Social Work.
She has had roles at Director level for City & Guilds and the NSPCC.
She was Chief Executive of CCETSW and Director of Social Services for Newcastle upon Tyne.
Jennifer holds a CQSW and MA in Social Policy and Social Research. In 2015 she was awarded a Fellowship by City & Guilds and an honorary doctorate by the University of Winchester.
In 2004 Jennifer took part in an expedition to the North Pole and in 2007 to the South Pole.