Professor Taylor currently teaches social policy, development planning and social and economic development in the Department of Social Development at the University of Cape Town. She is the Head of Department. Her career consists of both national and international development experience spanning over 30 years.

Approximately 20 years of this being at a senior policy and/or management level. She has experience of working within the United Nations on a global Commission on Human Security, with Governments, in the non-governmental sector and in academia.

She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Durban Westville; and postgraduate degrees – BSocSc Honours & MSocSc Masters) – in Social Planning and Administration from the University of Cape Town.