Her earlier career was in UK social work, specialising in children's services and child protection.
She has since held a portfolio of chair roles or directorships, working with vulnerable people, especially children.
Among other organisations she is currently a director of Plan International, Barnardo's, and Great Ormond Street Hospital..
Her previous roles include: Chair of The Caldecott Foundation, chair of The Guinness Partnership, founding chair of Guinness Care and Support, and Deputy Chair of Yeovil Hospital.