Ellie Marks

First-class Criminology and Criminal Justice Graduate with professional experience across children’s social care, family support, education and the criminal and family courts. Experienced in safeguarding, assessing risk, supporting vulnerable children and families, multi-agency working and producing clear professional reports. Calm, empathetic and child-centred, with strong written and interpersonal skills.

Court Intermediary at Aspire Intermediary Services

• Supported vulnerable defendants and witnesses within criminal court proceedings, adapting communication to individual needs so they could understand and participate effectively.
• Worked professionally with judges, barristers and other justice professionals, providing impartial advice on communication needs and appropriate special measures.
• Prepared detailed professional reports for court, communicating complex information clearly and masking evidence-based recommendations.
• Handled highly sensitive information with discretion, maintaining professional boundaries and working within safeguarding and court frameworks.

Parent & Family Support Adviser at Shepton Mallet Infant School and Nursery

• Provided one-to-one and family support around parenting, behaviour, routines, attendance, budgeting and wider family needs.
• Worked directly with parents, school staff and other professionals, contributing to early intervention and safeguarding processes.
• Supported families experiencing complex circumstances with empathy, clear boundaries and practical action planning.

Specialist Family Practitioner at Aspire Social Work Services

• Supported and supervised the safe care of children within vulnerable and complex family settings, contributing to planned intervention work.
• Used teaching and role-modelling to support parenting skills, healthy relationships, health and wellbeing, and children’s safety.
• Worked both independently and as part of a wider professional team, including within family homes and alongside other agencies.
• Developed knowledge through regular training including domestic abuse, safeguarding-related practice, the Solihull Approach, Graded Care Profile Assessment Tool and Positive Parenting.

1st Class BSc (Hons) in Criminology and Criminal Justice – University of Plymouth (2019 – 2022)