Testimonials
Kind words from people that I’ve worked with over the years
“Jack delivered an engaging and thought-provoking speech to the DfE Children in Care team, sharing his personal journey through the social care and health systems. His honesty, depth of knowledge, and sharp sense of humour made the session both memorable and highly relevant to our work.
By weaving together his lived experience with a strong grasp of political context, Jack offered unique insights into how we, as policy professionals, can better support children in care. His ability to cut through complexity and speak directly to the heart of the issues was refreshing and inspiring.
I wholeheartedly recommend Jack’s speaking and training services to anyone seeking a fresh, authentic perspective that challenges assumptions and drives meaningful change.”
Claire Owens - Senior Executive Officer at DfE
" Having known Jack for a number of years, I can highly recommend them as someone absolutely dedicated to changing support systems for young people across justice, care systems and mental health. Jack utilises his lived experience alongside reseach and evidence.
I have witnessed Jack's brilliant skills as a trainer, public speaker and facilitator through our work at Peer Power Youth, and ability to connect with a range of different stakeholders, ranging from public sector professionals, government policymakers and young people.
Jack has been involved in shaping Peer Power Youth's internal developments as a valued member of our community, and also influencing services such as being involved in commissioning mental health services in communities and in secure settings. I would not hesitate to recommend Jack as an Expert by Experience researcher, trainer, consultant and public speaker."
Anne-Marie Douglas (she/her) - CEO & Founder of Peer Power Youth
“I’ve known Jack for over 10 years since - very eloquently - he challenged me at an All Party Parliamentary Group meeting about children in care.
Since then he has been one of first people I have turned to for thoughtful, realistic and pragmatic views on adoption, the care system, children’s homes and social worker training (all the subjects of reports I have completed for various Secretaries of State). If you’re wanting challenging but sensible views on the care system then I could not recommend anyone more highly.”
Sir Martin Narey DL - Former CEO of Barnados
"Having worked with Jack for several years, I have seen first-hand the unique set of skills and knowledge that he demonstrates throughout all areas of his work.
Jack's life experiences have helped him play a pivotal part in our research. This has included as a co-researcher and as consultant on studies in complex and sensitive areas, and his contributions have reliably been a huge asset. He offers outstanding insights and ideas when thinking through specific questions, also holding in mind the overall aims and objectives of the project.
Jack combines humour and seriousness into a blend that compliments his contributions. He is genuinely a pleasure to work with."
Professor Robbie Duschinsky
“Jack delivered some excellent training for our team. Having grown up within the care system himself, he spoke with real authenticity and insight, which made the training more powerful and relatable. He was engaging and knowledgeable.
Our staff came away feeling more confident and equipped. The session was highly enjoyable and relevant to our work.”
“You'll learn, you'll laugh and you'll be inspired to improve your work for young people.
It's clear that Jack has a strong knowledge and understanding of the care system that he's built up over many years of working with and for young people in care and care leavers, and campaigning to improve the care system. He weaves this with his own personal experience of the care system and the combination makes for really powerful training that also makes realistic recommendations.
Jack comes across as a natural story teller with a great sense of humour. Although some stories are painful and hard hitting at times, I also found them funny and inspiring and seeing Jack doing so well despite those experiences was inspiring. For me, this made the stories even more memorable. I felt that my brain was able to connect to the painful situations with less stress and therefore able to hold on to them and get to ‘ok, what can I do differently’ quicker. Jack's training has had and I'm sure will continue to have a positive effect on my work with young people.
Jack's presentations and training are personal, powerful and professional and I highly recommend them"
Emma - Social Worker