Penny has BA (Hons) in Social Policy from Anglia Ruskin University. Her interest in the voluntary sector stems from her time as a PA to the Deputy Chief Executive of The Refugee Council and from volunteering for seven years as a Citizen Advocate for a woman with severe learning disabilities. Prior to becoming a mature student, Penny held the post of Volunteer Advocacy Co-ordinator for the people with learning disabilities at The Advocacy Project for two years. These experiences have reinforced her belief that knowledge and understanding are key to helping people to have control of their lives. 

Penny is currently the Senior Administrator for Easter and summer courses at Pembroke College, University of Cambridge.