Our trainers

Our expert trainers bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to their work. Find out more about our course leaders here.

Alison Gunn

Job title

Training and Development Officer

Qualifications

Master in Social Work and CQSW - University of Edinburgh 1992

Accredited Practice Teacher - West of Scotland Consortium for Education and Training in Social Work 1999

Currently completing Certificate in Training Practice with Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development

Experience

Prior to qualifying as a social worker Alison worked as a trainer with a variety of community media projects in Edinburgh and Australia. Since 1993, Alison has worked in the field of youth social work and housing rights. She was a project worker for five years with the City Centre Initiative in Glasgow working with young people who were homeless and at risk of drug misuse and offending behaviour. Alison moved to Shelter in 1999, where she has been employed as an advice worker and is currently involved in delivering training to local authority housing staff.

Jane Heppenstall

Job title

Training, Support and Development Officer

Qualifications

Masters in Social Work and CQSW - University of Edinburgh 1992

Certificate in Training Practice - Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development 2006

Experience

Prior to moving to Scotland in 1989, Jane worked in the Housing and Housing Benefits departments of Cambridge City Council. On moving to Scotland, Jane lived on a rural community project offering accommodation and social work support to young homeless people and went on to work with young people with behavioural issues before taking a Masters in Social Work at Edinburgh University. Jane then worked for Lothian Regional Council as a welfare rights officer for several years, specialising in tribunal representation and training. Jane has worked for Shelter since 1995.