Gemma Novis

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.

2023–Present: KCA Associate Trainer

2023–Present: Community & Youth Engagement / Equalities consultant

2016–Present: Local & National Youth Leader for SGI-UK

2023–2023: Urban Room Development Lead at BiBO

2021–2023: Early Support Hub Community Navigator (Children and Families Integrated Front Door Service), Wiltshire Council

2018–2021: Local Area Coordinator in Trowbridge (Public Health Team)

2018–2018: Business Support Officer (Salisbury Recovery Programme - Community Engagement)

2017–2018: Respite Foster Carer, Wiltshire Council

2012–2018: Founding Director - The Four Corners of the Land

2012–2018: Associate Director (Equalities & Community Engagement), Verve

2009–2014: Associate Lecturer - BA Applied Social Science, Community Development & Youth Work. Goldsmiths, University of London

2012–2013: Breastfeeding Welcome & Vitamin D Project Development. Public Health, Lewisham

2011–2012: Community Leadership Development Project Co-ordinator. NHS London SHA

2010–2011: Youth worker in charge/Development Officer. Lewisham Council

2008–2011: Community Leadership Development Project Co-ordinator. NHS Lewisham PCT / NHS Lewisham CCG

2009–2009: Equalities Coordinator. Lewisham Healthcare NHS Trust

2008–2009: Health Improvement Programme Officer. Public Health Lewisham

2006–2007: Administrative Officer. New Local Government Network

2003–2004: Library Assistant, Lewisham Council2001–2003: Administrative Assistant, UK Civil Service

2001-2003: Administrative Assistant, UK Civil Service

MA, Development & Rights, Goldsmiths, University of London, 2009

BA (Honours) Degree, Applied Social Science, Community Development & Youth Work, 2007

Certificate in Higher Education, Geography, University of Derby, 1999

A' Levels and GCSE's, Blackheath Bluecoat CofE School, 1998