Tracy Keane has over 30 years’ experience in Child and Adult Social care.
A current and highly experienced leader in social care training provision and change management within the sector, her expertise is embedded in supporting people individually and within their organisations.
Tracy Keane started her career qualifying in early years and working in a nursery setting and as a nanny, started fostering aged 24 in North London at the same time qualifying as a BACP registered crisis counsellor working in Ilford, with victims of sexual abuse, the perpetrators of abuse, suicide, domestic and honour-based violence, self-harm and depression as well as other crisis issues that young people and adults experience.
Tracy relocated to Sussex where for a short time managed a children’s activity centre based in the grounds of Sussex Downs College whilst there, she took a teaching award and lectured students on BTEC and CACHE childcare courses in child development, care of babies and Safeguarding.
Later, still teaching part time Tracy joined the Youth offending team and worked extensively with young people aged 10 to 18 who found themselves in trouble with the police, further qualifying in the youth justice system.
After a short time, Tracy was promoted to service manager of Catch 22, managing 3 services Appropriate Adults in Police Custody, Mentoring vulnerable children and young people (through intense individual and family support work) and thirdly, in Partnership with Sussex Police created a return home support service in East Sussex for Missing Children and Young People.
When funding for these projects ended, Tracy was headhunted to become the Registered Manager of a Residential Children’s home working with very challenging young people aged 11 to 18 who were all victims of abuse and sexual exploitation. Over time, Tracy Implemented positive change, making the home outstanding in Safeguarding and Education. Tracy then moved into the role of Head of Residential services for children, young people and Adults with severe disabilities and short life expectancy for a London charity, both roles included having responsibility and accountability for the provision and managing change.
A rare opportunity arose to join the police as a Response Team Investigator on a short term contract and so Tracy made the move, in order to extend her knowledge of the criminal justice system, this was very different, challenging and enjoyable and enabled her to take further training in relevant subjects. Due to the shift working, Tracy retired from fostering after successfully working with many hard to place children and young people of all ages. Tracy keeps in touch with many of the young people, most now adults who have been part of her life for many years and feels proud of how many have achieved in life despite their traumatic and damaged beginnings.
Tracy has been delivering training and consultancy services as part of her role for many years and now as the CEO of her own company, Freedom training and Consultancy Ltd. Tracy works with social care professionals up and down the country and has contracts with many Local Authorities, Charities, Housing providers and private companies as well as the Ministry of Defence and Maritime organisations.
Tracy continues her professional development ensuring her advice is current. Tracy liaises with police and health/social care professionals to ensure that her training subjects are up to date and the information she and her team are developing, and teaching is accurate.
All Tracy’s associate trainers and Regulation 44 staff are Enhanced DBS checked and very experienced in working with children, young people and Adults as well as having a vast training background or experience of working in the Police, Prison Service, Armed Services, Health service, Education, Housing, Residential or foster care.
Tracy receives regular external Support and supervision.