Ali Willis

Having worked in secondary education for almost 30 years, including as a senior leader and Designated Safeguarding Lead, I have developed extensive experience in safeguarding, child protection, pastoral care and staff well-being.

I have seen first-hand the increasing demands placed on education professionals. Staff are often managing complex workloads, competing priorities and significant responsibility, while trying to meet the needs of young people. At times, this can leave colleagues feeling overwhelmed, unheard or disempowered, particularly when there is little opportunity to step back, reflect and consider their own professional needs.

This is why I am passionate about the value of effective staff supervision. I am currently undertaking training with CSTD Bath to develop my skills in reflective supervision in education and I am keen to support staff through a reflective, confidential and supportive approach.

I believe supervision provides an important opportunity to pause, think and be heard. It can help staff make sense of challenging situations, explore professional boundaries, build confidence in decision-making and reconnect with their strengths and professional purpose. Importantly, supervision can help colleagues feel empowered rather than simply responding to the next demand.

As a Youth Mental Health First Aid Instructor, I also bring a strong understanding of well-being and mental health. My aim is to provide supervision that supports both professional practice and the person behind the role, helping staff feel valued, empowered to recognise their strengths, trust their professional judgement and have a stronger sense of agency in their work.