Jill's Story

Jill Nathan

Course Lead and Senior Lecturer

Jill brings over 30 years of hands-on experience working with young people and communities across Birmingham. A JNC-qualified Youth and Community Development Worker with Advanced Practitioner status, she has worked in frontline youth services, probation, and strategic service development—giving her unique insight into the real-world impact of mental health and wellbeing support.

Since joining University College Birmingham in 2011, Jill has led and developed undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, with a strong focus on student empowerment, inclusive practice, and community engagement. She continues to work in practice with Birmingham Youth Service and supports students completing their own professional placements, ensuring her teaching is rooted in the realities of today’s sector.

“This course is about more than just theory—it’s about preparing you to make a real difference. We equip you with the skills, confidence, and cultural awareness to support people across all stages of life. With hands-on placements, expert-led modules, and a strong focus on inclusion, you won’t just graduate with a degree—you’ll leave ready to lead change in your community.”