
Speaker and Social commentator
Specialist in adoption, fostering and care issues.
Since October 2018 I was asked to be part of Social Work England 'Experts By Experience' Advisory Board. Based in Sheffield they are a new regulatory body that will implement and improve the regulation of social workers, reforming the register, setting standards for the conduct, practise and training of social workers and fitness to practice regulations.
I am honoured to represent the field of adoption.
Social Work England - Experts By Experience, short talk at the National Engagement Event Day in Preston on 19th November.
National Children's and Adults services Conference, Bournemouth - Speaker with Social Work England, 20th November clip - Below.
Re-launch of Adoption Arena - Adoption engagement interviews with leading experts, adoptees, advocates and campaigners. Live on Facebook Mondays, then Wednesday and Fridays at 8pm from September 23rd. Clips on Youtube and AdoptionArena.com
‘... a true gifted professional, resourceful and gives herself fully’
Matthew Gough, Principal Lecturer Nottingham Trent University
It is important to speak for those who have no voice and continue to share the
adoption narrative creatively to influence present and future generations.
I have been a public speaker since 2005 when I started working as a campaigner on adoption issues with organisations such as BAAF (British Association of Adoption and Fostering) now Coram BAAF, First4Adoption and The Cornerstone Partnership.
Following through those engagements, it has led me to Parliament with opportunities to discuss current adoption, fostering or care issues with MP's and charity directors.
'Amazingly funny and talented performer. Joy is also an insightful, compassionate and an inspirational woman – the young people, the children, in fact the whole audience just loved her”
Diane Carrington Team manager, Virtual School for Looked After Children & Careleavers. City of Westminster
A short selection of past work and media engagements
All clips are on the site on relevant pages
2018
BBC World Service, discussion on an Adoption Viral Sensation
Premier Christian Radio. Rosie Wright - Discussion on comedy, faith and my story
2017
BBC News 24 discussion on overseas adoption with Dr John Simmonds MBE Jane Hill and myself.
Virtual School and Westminster Council Celebration of Achievement Awards for their Care leavers at Tate Britain. Talk and comedy performance. See Above
Tri Borough Virtual School Conference - talk and comedy
Public Policy Exchange - Adoption Symposium, talk and discussion
BBC 5Live – I joins the drive time team to discuss Madonna’s recent overseas adoption.
University of Nottingham – 1-hour comedy show and talk
2016
I start the UK tour for 'Spot the Difference' - comedy adoption 1hr show, going to festivals such as the Leicester, Derby, Hitchin, Swindon, Camden, Streatham comedy Festivals to name a few.
The Church of England Education Department - 1hr comedy adoption show and talk.
Grimsby Institute of Higher Education - I host the night and perform a 20 min set
2015
Debut comedy show 'Aspects of Joy' that introduces my adoption story to the press as the Edinburgh Festival. Full run, along with a UK pre-tour.
Style For Stroke, Charity Celebrity Fundriaser
The Cornerstone Partnership, Adoption AGM. I perform 45 minute comedy adoption show and give a 15 minute talk with questions.
Diocese of Leicester Annual General meeting - 50 minute stand up set with adoption experience material.
Jongelurs - Charity night for 'Hestia'. Comedy night Host
2014
I launch The fundraising night COMICS FOR ADOPTION - CLIP
I found comedians with a adoption or fostering experiences to raise money for various charities including Save the Children. Attended by Admiral Lord West.
2012
BBC Breakfast, discussion on the adoption changes with Ian Holmes (BAAF)
Channel 4, 4Thought ‘Does Charity Work?’ - I discuss my experiences
Channel 4 News Discussion on adoption changes that may take place in the UK legislation.
2007
Newsnight discussing UK race issues and ‘The Jade Goody and Shilpa Shetty incident’
2005
Channel 5 News Adoption special
SKY News ‘Overseas Adoption’ – 2005 and the Madonna adoption debate

