After returning from VSO in Nigeria, Marianne qualified (in Edinburgh) as a social worker and worked in community social work in Leith during the 1980’s. In the 1990’s, she co-ran a Practice Teaching Unit at Edinburgh Voluntary Organisations Council for 19 years. The work with Social Work students within a range of voluntary organisations allowed for creativity, responsiveness and innovation. Marianne says her subsequent work as Learning & Development Manager for Midlothian Council (and jointly with Scottish Borders Council for 4 very challenging years!) enabled her to understand the constraints of local authority work and to continue to value the contribution of the Voluntary Sector. Marianne is delighted to have the opportunity to support our work both with BAME children and families and in the education of our future professionals.In addition to this voluntary role with MCFB, Marianne volunteers in her local park, developing medicinal plant areas, and (after completing a Diploma in Herbology) with the Royal Botanical Garden Edinburgh’s Physic Garden.