Virginia has worked in education and social care for 40 years after obtaining a First-Class Degree in Special Needs Education. She worked as a Headteacher in a residential special school and for Sense (supporting people with sensory and communication needs) in a variety of management, policy, training and practice development roles. She has been a Samaritan volunteer for 15 years, twice taking the role of Director at Stratford Branch. She has a total of 18 years’ experience as a Governor, serving on three governing bodies.