Penny works within the Education Team as the Schools Investigation Lead.

She has worked as a senior leader in schools / academies for 18 years, primarily as the HR lead but latterly leading the operational side of academies. Since 2020 she has run her own business supporting schools with; HR advice, safeguarding advice, as well as compliance which led to a significant proportion of her work focusing on independent investigations.

Her work in this area has allowed her to combine operational experience in education with practical HR and legal skills. Having undertaken independent investigations on behalf of Winckworth Sherwood’s clients, she now works as Schools Investigations Lead, helping to continue to build on the work the Education team deliver in relation to this area.

Recent experience

Penny has carried out complex investigations covering a range of issues such as fraud, safeguarding, disciplinary, grievances, parental complaints, Governance, and Whistleblowing, including:

• Advising and supporting with TUPE.
• Advising a number of schools, colleges, multi academy trusts and nurseries on internal HR processes including grievances, disciplinary, absence management and exclusions.
• Delivering safeguarding training to schools and academies as well as conducting safeguarding audits including reviewing the SCR.