Carol has worked with autistic people and their families for over 40 years, working in the voluntary and local authority sectors. She started her career with the City of Westminster as a classroom assistant, moving to The Wirral Autistic Society (now Autism Together) for 12 years, then becoming Chief Executive at Bromley Autistic Trust which provided residential, supported living and day care for adults, and support for families.

In 2001 she joined the National Autistic Society, soon taking on the role of Head of Adult Services, then in 2010, became Director of the Centre for Autism which aimed to promote innovation, excellence and understanding across the autism sector and to provide a hub for greater collaboration both UK-wide and internationally. She was a member of the Council of Administration for Autism Europe and has taught and presented both nationally and internationally.   

Carol now works part time for the National Autistic Society, focusing primarily on the Autism Education Trust and the Responsible Individual role for all National Autistic Society services in Wales. She is chair of the steering group for a new project which aims to capture the heritage of the National Autistic Society through people’s stories and voices.   

She is a Trustee for Seashell which supports children and young people with very complex disabilities and Chairs their Safeguarding Board. Carol is a specialist member of the First-tier Tribunal Health, Education and Social Care Chamber.