Hello, my name is Sarah. My role here at Beacon House is that of Operations Manager, bringing over 30 years of experience in leadership, operations, finance, and client-focused service.

As Operations Manager, I oversee a broad range of operational and business functions ensuring that systems, infrastructure, and day-to-day operations run effectively while maintaining a warm, open, friendly, and nurturing environment for every child, family, adult and professional who connects with Beacon House.

Throughout my career, I have developed strong skills in strategic and critical thinking, financial management, operational infrastructure, and organisational leadership. I enjoy finding thoughtful and practical ways to improve processes, strengthen service delivery, and enhance the overall experience for clients and colleagues alike. Alongside this operational focus, I remain deeply committed to the human side of my role — building meaningful connections, fostering trust, and creating spaces where people feel genuinely welcomed, valued, heard, and cared for.

My previous roles within Sussex Police and British Airways taught me the importance of compassion, empathy, calm communication, and problem-solving, particularly when supporting people during times of stress, uncertainty, or vulnerability. These experiences strengthened my belief that kindness, active listening, and authentic connection can have a lasting impact, and they continue to shape the way I work every day. I pride myself on being approachable, supportive, and able to build positive relationships with both families and colleagues through openness, understanding, and genuine care.

Having worked extensively within both primary and secondary education, I have developed a deep commitment to improving outcomes for children and young people, alongside a strong understanding of safeguarding and child protection. I recognise that families and our adult clients often come to Beacon House during emotionally challenging periods in their lives, and I believe that feeling safe, supported, and understood is an essential part of that journey.

Creating a compassionate, welcoming, and professionally supportive environment is incredibly important to me. I take great pride in helping Beacon House remain a place where all our visitors experience not only expertise and professionalism, but also genuine warmth and care, understanding and empathy, and human connection.

  • Understanding Adverse Childhood Experiences
    NFER, CACHE, November 2023
  • Leadership & Management in Schools
    WSCC, February 2022
  • Certificate in Business Leadership
    Greater Brighton Metropolitan College, August 2020
  • A Guide to Navigating Menopause in the Workplace
    Healthcare Conferences, 24th April 2024
  • Understanding Adverse Childhood Experiences
    NFER, November 2023
  • Working with the Menopause in Therapy
    Brighton Therapy Partnership, 25th July 2023
  • GDPR in Health and Social Care
    Mandatory Training Group, 20th July 2023
  • Building collaboration in groups and teams: Finding common ground
    Systems Centered Training UK, 5th and 6th June 2023
  • Pre-Trial Therapy Guidance
    Inspire CPD, 18th May 2023
  • Managing Safely
    Institution of Occupational Safety and Health, 15th February 2023
  • Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Training
    Roshmi Lovatt, 28th January 2023
  • Safer recruitment training
    NSPCC, September 2022
  • Emergency first aid at work
    The British Red Cross, one day, September 2022
  • Safeguarding adults training – level 3
    High Speed Training, September 2022
  • Advanced safeguarding children training – level 2
    High Speed Training, September 2022
  • Fire Warden training
    High Speed Training, September 2022
  • KCSIE and County Lines training
    St Mary’s Catholic Primary School, September 2022
  • Prevent Duty training
    HM Government, July 2022
  • Fire Marshall training
    West Sussex fire brigade, June 2022
  • Health & Safety and COSHH
    WSCC, March 2022
  • Managing contractors training
    WSCC, February 2022
  • Various internal training in health & safety, COSHH, premises and  infrastructure
    WSCC, April 2014 – September 2022
  • Various internal training in safeguarding, management and leadership
    WSCC, April 2014 – September 2022