Jackie was born in Scotland, educated in Wales and has a degree in Social Psychology from the London School of Economics (LSE).
She has had a varied career, including roles in social work and further education as well as political life. She has held elected office in four tiers of government – Town, District, County Council and Westminster.
Since she left politics in 2001, she has led four charities of different sizes (£1m to £110m turnover) – the RSPCA, Action on Hearing Loss, Womankind Worldwide and Alcohol Concern. She was a (non-exec) board member of IPSA (Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority) from its inception until January 2013. In addition to her roles at Newlon and Outward Jackie is a member of the board of London Travelwatch