Phil Ashford – Adolescent Vulnerability and Exploitation Specialist
Experience
With almost 20 years’ experience of working within the field of vulnerability, Phil Ashford is one of the UK’s leading contributors to practice knowledge in tackling child exploitation and addressing adolescent vulnerability. Phil’s career reflects his passion to support adolescents and improve outcomes for them as they approach adulthood.
Phil is a highly experienced service manager with years of operational case management knowledge, managing support for children and young adults affected by sexual exploitation, criminal exploitation, mental health issues and alcohol and substance misuse. Adopting a holistic approach to problem solving, Phil has developed an extensive multi-agency network in his practice to ensure the best possible outcomes for individuals, families, communities and agencies.
Skills
In recent years with his national role, Phil has become a highly sought-after speaker at conferences and events. He skilfully changes his presentation and delivery style to suit his audience from members of the public, businesspeople, politicians, senior managers and frontline practitioners.
Phil’s knowledge and experience have been called upon at roundtable events aimed at shaping national strategy and policy in regard to child exploitation. Utilising this critical insight Phil offers bespoke facilitated strategic development sessions to support local and regional responses to adolescent vulnerability.
Phil has vast experience carrying out operational case audits as well as designing and implementing strategic reviews of services, using a practitioner-led approach in order to ‘sense-check’ strategies and policies. Phil has built up trust within the field based on his experience, expertise and empathy for professionals in the field.
Phil is an award-winning trainer who has been nationally recognised for his work upskilling businesses to better respond to the threat of child exploitation. Phil understands the challenges of operating a successful business and tailors packages to meet the specific needs of trades.
Phil is passionate about supporting universities in preparing the workforce of tomorrow to tackle adolescent vulnerability and exploitation. Phil has been commissioned by several further and higher education institutions to deliver guest lectures based on his practice experience and understanding of theory, ensuring students receive an applied perspective to adolescent vulnerability.
