Speakers

Dez is the Deputy Chief Executive at National Children's Bureau, and Director of Research in Practice, supporting those who work with children, families and adults to use evidence in their practice and leadership.

Dez has led Research in Practice’s work on adolescent and Transitional Safeguarding, and has recently published two books in this area.

Dez chairs the Contextual Safeguarding UK Advisory Group and is a Visiting Fellow at University of East Anglia. 

Dez chairs the Advisory Group for The Staff College, and is a Trustee of Family Action. 

In 2024, Dez was awarded an Honorary Doctorate by University of Sussex.

In 2025, Dez was awarded a MBE for services to social care.