Graham has been a teacher, including 13 years service as Headteacher of two contrasting comprehensive schools in the West Midlands and Oxfordshire. 

Graham was also Chief Inspector of Careers Services in England and was a member of the Crick Commission on the teaching of democracy and citizenship in schools.

As head at Drayton Secondary School, Banbury, Graham worked in partnership with Thames Valley Police to develop restorative practices in the school. The purpose was to find new ways of supporting young people in conflict.  The school was also a pilot for the Safer Schools Partnership principles.

Graham currently combines specialist advisory work for the Dept. for Education and Skills on Behaviour and Attendance with independent work for a range of LAs and others on issues relating to behaviour in schools.

Graham is also a Board member of the Youth Justice Board for England and Wales taking particular interest in the work on prevention and reducing re-offending. He co-authored a booklet ‘Schools and Youth Justice working together’ showing how joint working can effectively reduce risk factors for young people.